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APOLOGY 


FOR 


PROMOTING  CHRISTIANITY 


INDIA. 


THE  REV.  CLAUDIUS  BUCHANAN,  D.  D. 

Author  of  “ Christian  Researches  in  AsiaJ'* 


FIRST  AMERICAN  FROM  FIRST  LONDON  EDITION. 


LOne  half  the  profits  of  this  Edition  will  be  devoted  to 
the  support  of  Foreign  Missions  and  Translations.]} 


BOSTON  : 


PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY  NATHANIEL  tVILIIS, 
NO.  76,  STATE-STREET. 

181.4, 


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CONTENTSe 


Page. 

Fn  EFACE  1 

Letter  addressed  to  the  Court  of  Directors 
of  the  Honourable  the  Enst-India  Compa- 
ny, dated  25th  May,  18 1 3,  in  Reply  to  the 
Statements  of  Ciuirles  Euller,  Esq.  M.  P. 
concerning  the  idol  Juggernaut. — Printed 
by  order  of  the  House  of  Commons  . 16 

Second  Letter  addressed  to  the  Court  of  Di- 
rectors, dated  Sth  Jure,  1813,  respecting  a 
peculiar  Character  in  the  Worship  of  the 
Hindoos  ^ in  further  Reply  to  the  State- 
ments of  Charles  Bidler,  Esq. — Printed  by 
order  of  the  House  of  Commons  ...  33 

Letter  and  Memorial,  addressed  to  the  Right 
Hon.  Gilbert  Lord  Minto,  Governor  Gene- 
ral of  India  ; dated  Calcutta,  SSth  ^Yovern- 
ber,  1807,  in  Defence  of  Promoting  Chris- 
tianity in  India.— Printed  by  order  cf  the 
House  of  Commons -±6 

Remarks  (written  in  June,  1813 ),  on  the 
Letter  from  the  Bengal  Government  to  the 
Court  of  Directors,  dated  7th  Dec.  1807, 
in  Reply  to  the  above  Memorial  . . 72 


{\r 


CONTENTS. 


APPENDIX. 

No.  I.  Letter  from  the  Bengal  Government 
to  the  Secret  Committee  of  the  Court  of  Di- 
rectors, dated  7th  Becember,  1807,  in  Reply 
to  the  Memorial  presented  by  the  Rev.  l)r. 
Buchanan  100 

No.  II.  Letter  from  the  Court  of  Directors 
to  the  Governor  General  in  Council  at  Fort 
William  in  Bengal,  dated  7th  September, 
1808,  in  Reply  to  their  Dispatch,  detailing 
the  Proceedings  respecting  the  Missiona- 
'vies  . 121 

No.  III.  Letter  from  General  Hay  M^ Dow- 
all,  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Forces  un- 
der the  Presidency  of  Fort  St.  George,  to 
the  Governor  and  Council  of  that  Presi- 
dency ; dated  ^Uh  JVov.  1807,  respecting 
the  Mutiny  at  Vellore  ; with  the  proceed- 
ings of  Government  thereupon  . . . 129 

No.  IV.  Minute  of  George  Udny,  Esq.  Mem- 
ber of  the  Supreme  Council  in  Bengal,  pro- 
testing against  superintending’^^  the  Idol 
Juggernaut,  ^^as  tending  to  perpetuate  a 
System  of  gross  Idolatry  extracted  from 

the  Bengal  Judicial  Consultations  of  sd 
April,  1806  135 

No.  V.  Letter  from  Charles  Butler,  Esq. 

M.  P.  to  the  Hon.  the  Court  of  Directors, 
respecting  the  Idol  Juggernaut ; dated  the 
CPdi  May,  iSiS  . . " 136 


CONTENTS. 


V 


No.  VI.  The  Forerunner  of  the  Holy  Bible, 
being  a Translation  of  a Tract  in  the  Ben- 
galee Language,  printed  by  the  Missiona- 
ries ; which  the  Bengal  Government  trans- 
mitted to  the  Court  of  Directors  as  being, 
in  their  judgment,  calculated  to  inflame 
the  prejudices  of  the  Hindoos  . . . 145 

No.  VII.  Memorial  addressed  by  the  Bap- 
tist Missionaries  to  the  Right  Hon.  Gilbert 
Lord  Minto,  Governor  General  of  India, 
praying  that  the  Bengal  Government  ivould 
spare  their  Mission  / dated  Mission-House, 
Serampore,  30th  Sept.  1S07  . . . . 150 

No»  VIII.  M*atural  History  cultivated  by 
the  Protestant  Missionaries  in  India  167 

No.  IX.  Report  of  the  Immolation  of  Fe- 
males, between  Cossimbazar,  in  Bengal, and 
the  mouth  of  the  Hooghly,  in  the  months  of 
May  and  June,  1812 l7l 

No.  X.  Testimony  of  the  Honourable  the 
East-India  Company  to  the  Character  of 
Mr.  Swartz  173 

No.  XI.  The  Apology  of  Mr.  Swartz,  in 
Answer  to  a Speedi  delivered  in  the  Bri- 
tish Parliamient  in  1793  .....  17S 


1-^HE  immolations  under  the  Car  of  the  Hindoo 
Deity  are  not  particularly  considered  in  the 
following  Letter,  that  not  being  the  subject 
which  1 w as  called  upon  to  notice  ; but,  as 
Mr.  Buller  is  of  opinion,  “ that  people  may 
with  as  much  justice  censure  our  GoVerument 
at  home  for  not  preventing  suicide,  as  they  may 
the  Government  abroad  for  not  preventing  the 
immolations  in  question and  since  a compa- 
rison between  “ immolations  in  India,  and  sui- 
cide in  England,”  has  actually  been  made  in 
Parliament  since  the  printing  of  his  letter,  it 
seems  to  be  proper  to  w eigh  the  merits  of 'such 
a comparison.  I allege  that  there  is  no  ground 
for  the  comparison,  either  as  to  the  frequency 
of  the  deed  or  as  to  the  principle. 

And,  first,  with  respect  to  the  frequency  of 
the  deed. — Mr.  Buller  observes,  that  when  he 
happened  to  be  at  Juggernaut,  at  the  festival 
of  tlie  Hutt  in  1809,  he  heard  but  of  one  in- 
stance of  an  immolation  under  the  w heels  of  the 
ear.”  If  x\!r.  Buller  can  only  speak  of  what 
lie  heard.”  no  dependence  is  to  be  placed  on 
his  information,  as  he  well  knows,  even  re- 
specting this  one  immolation  w hich  he  mentions. 
M^’lieii  1 was  at  Jfiggernaut,  had  I not  followed 
the  Idol’s  chariot  myself,  I should  probably 


2 


PKEFACE. 


have  never  Iieard”  of  llie  hvo  immolalioiis 
which  I witnessed.  If  the  writer  wished  to 
have  communicated  to  tlie  nation  any  certain 
information  concerning  these  self-devotements< 
he  ought,  every  morning,  during  the  height  of 
the  festival,  to  have  visited  the  Golgotlia,  or 
place  where  the  dead  bodies  are  cast  forth  5 
and  also  the  sands  betw  een  the  Idol’s  tow  er  and 
the  sea,  and  the  precincts  of  the  town.  And 
w bile  examining  these  scenes,  he  ought  to  have 
counted  the  bodies  whose  bones  were  bruised 
by  the  car ; for  it  is  very  easy  to  distinguish 

the  skeletons  which  have  been*  crushed I say 

skeletons,  for  the  dogs  and  vultures  generally 
eat  oil*  the  flesh  before  the  morning.  The  w ri- 
ter computes  the  number  of  pilgrims  present  at 
the  Rutt  Jattra  of  1S09,  at  about  100, 000  ; al- 
though he  observes  elsewhere,  that  this  was  a 
small  number  compared  to  that  of  other  years. 
Does  he  then  know  what  was  the  daily  morta- 
lity, from  diflerent  causes,  of  this  one  hundred 
thousand  pilgrims  Was  if  tw  enty,  or  fifty, 
ohe  liundred,  per  day  ? We  know  the  calcula- 
tion w hich  has  been  made,  of  the  daily  casu- 
alties in  an  army  of  100,000  men,  w hen  in  a 
generally  heaStliy  state.  What,  then,  must  be 
the  daily  average  of  deaths  in  an  army  of  one 
hundred  thousand  pilgrims;  ‘‘  a large’propor- 
tion  of  whom,”  according  to  Mr.  Bulier,  con- 
sists of  the  old  and  infirm,  who  come  for  ihe 
express  purpose  of  laying  their  bones  witijin 
the  precincts  of  the  city  !”  Or  did  he  ever 
make  any  inquiry  respecting  the  daily  devas- 
tation of  the  various  causes  of  death,  so  as  to 
he  able  to  olFer  even  a conjecture  on  the  sub- 


PREFACE. 


% 


ject } Did  lie  ever  send  for  the  hurries  (or 
forpse-carriers)  and  investigate  accurately  how 
many  immolations  took  place  while  he  resided 
in  Orissa  } Or  can  he  safy  certainly,  from  any 
authentic  data,  that  there  were  not  in  fact 
many  self-devotements  during  that  period  ? — I 
think  it  probable,  that  the  writer  cannot  answer 
one  of  these  questions  in  the  aliirmative.  A 
simple  case  will  explain  my  meaning  in  pro- 
posing them.  During  the  many  years  \lr.  Dul- 
ler resided  in  Calcutta,  he  probably  never  saw 
more  than  three  or  four  women  burned  1 do 
not  know  that  he  saw  one  ; — yet  it  now  appears, 
from  unquestionable  evidence,  that  a very  con- 
siderable number  of  females  were  immolated 
within  a short  distance  of  his  residence  diiVing 
that  period.  As  it  was  with  respect  to  immo- 
lations at  and  near  Calcutta,  so,  we  would  in- 
fer, it  might  have  been  as  to  immolations  at 
Juggernaut. 

\lt  will  be  proper  here  to  assign  the  reason 
why  so  few  immolations  of  women  are  seen  by 
Europeans  in  India ; for  I understand  the  cir- 
emnstanee  has  greatly  perplexed  the  minds  of 
some.  The  causes  are  these  : 

4.  There  are  in  India  30,000  English,  and 
hfty  millions  of  natit-es.  In  Calcutta  alone, 
the  calculation,  a few  years  ago,  was  1300  En- 
glish, and  about  half  a million  natives. 

2.  By_a  law  of  the  East-India  Company,  no 
British  subject  can  reside  above  ten  miles’  dis- 
tance from  a principal  settlement,  without  a 
special  licence. 

3.  The  burnings  do  not  always  occur  in  the 
same  place  ; but  at  some  convenient  spot  near 


4 


PREji'ACJ:. 


the  liouse  of  the  deceased  Hindoo,  and  geiie* 
rally  on  llie  banks  of  a river. 

4.  The  bnrning  generally  begins  next  fore- 
noon after  the  decease  of  the  husband  ; or  if  he 
die  during  the  night,  it  takes  place  next  even- 
ing, on  account  of  the  state  of  the  corpse  in  a 
liot  climate.  Immediately  on  the  decease  of 
the  husband,  the  Brahmins  wait  on  the  widow, 
to  know  if  she  means  to  burn  ; and  all  is  set- 
tled in  an  hour  or  two, 

5.  If  the  burning  takes  place  in  the  forenoon, 
it  does  not  begin  generally  till  ten  o’clock,  or 
later,  when  the  sun  is  hot,  and  when  no  En- 
gl islinian  goes  to  any  distance  without  necessity, 
if  it  takes  place  in  the  evening,  the  flame  may 
be  seen  at  a distance  ; but  as  it  is  more  likely 
to  be  merely  the  burning  of  a dead  body  (the 
pile  for  which  is  generally  lighted  in  the  even- 
ing), the  expectation  of  a woman  burning  alivo 
is  not  excit  ed.  From  the  terraces  of  the  houses 
in  Calcjitta,  funeral  piles  may  be  seen  on  the 
other  side  of  the  river  so  commonly,  that  they 
are  not  parlieularly  noticed.  No  person  thinks 
of  going  over  to  examine  what  is  doing;  as  it 
is  kno'Au  to  be,  in  general  cases,  only  the  burn- 
ing of  a dead  body. 

6.  Unless  an  Englishman  comes  casually  up- 
on the  scene,  he  never  can,  generally  speaking, 
see  a burning.  The  only  expedient  is,  to  de- 
sire your  Hindoo  servants  to  mention  when  they 
hear  that  one  is  about  to  take  place.  But 
again,  your  Hindoo  servants  live  in  your  own 
house,  and  not  in  the  native  part  of  the  town; 
and  unless  it  be  one  of  tlieir  own  relations  who 
is  dead,  they  seldom  h^r  any  thing  of  the  event 


PREFACE. 


O 


afterwards.  Another  obstacle  is,  that  they 
are  averse  to  communicate  to  Christians  any 
information  concerning  a custom  which  they 
know  is  not  approved.  The  Maliometans,  on 
the  other  hand,  have  less  dithculty  ; hut  tiien 
they  have  less  acquaintance  with  what  is  pass- 
ing among  Hindoo  families.  My  sircar  (or 
house-steward)  has  more  than  once  apprised  me 
of  a burning  ; but  I do  not  recollect  that  a Ma- 
hometan servant  ever  did.  And,  again,  even 
if  you  should  receive  timely  intelligence,  it  may 
happen  that  the  distance  is  inconvenient.  The 
usual  place  of  burning,  on  the  Calcutta  side  of 
the  water,  is  at  Chitpore  Ghaut,  about  four 
miles  from  the  English  part  of  the  town  ; and 
few  of  the  English  w ill  choose  to  travel  eiglit 
miles,  under  a hot  sun,  through  crowded  bazars, 
to  witness  the  scene. 

7,  To  all  these  causes  may  be  added,  the 
utter  disinclination  of  the  English,  in  general, 
to  inquire  into  what  the  natives  are  doing.  No- 
thing relating  to  them  excites  much  interest. 
They  constitute  a distinct  world  from  the  En- 
glish. Their  lauguage,  manners,  and  religion, 
the  English  understand  not.  But  chiefly  the 
personal  degradation  of  the  Hindoos,  from  po- 
verty of  circumstances  and  ignorance  of  mind,** 
separates  the  two  nations  ; so  that  an  English 
lady  or  gentleman,  in  Calcutta,  is  generally 
much  better  acquainted  w ith  what  has  passed 
during  the  former  year  on  tlie  banks  of  the  river 
Thames,  [in  England]  than  w itli  the  scenes  on 
the  hanks  of  the  Ganges. 

These  considerations  will  shew’  what  weight 
IS  due  to  the  arsjURient  so  often  repeated,  viz. 

1* 


6 


PREFACE. 


That  the  immolations  of  women  must  be  few, 
since  so  few  English  gentlemen  have  seen  them. 

The  same  observations  will,  for  the  most  part, 
aeeosint  for  that  prevailing  ignorance  concerning 
Hindoo  scenes  in  general,  such  as  the  licenti- 
ous ceremonies  of  the  Rutt  Jattra,  and  the  im- 
molations of  men  in  the  various  ways  in  which 
they  are  practised ; for  numerous  are  the  inodes 
in  which  religious  suicide  is  perpetrated,  be- 
sides that  of  being  crushed  under  the  chariot 
of  an  idol.  To  coinpsy  e the  immolations  of 
men  in  India  n ith  suicide  in  England,  is  ex- 
ceedingly preposterous.  It  is  a received  maxim 
of  philosophic  wi  iters,  that,  in  any  nation,  the 
eases  of  suicide  by  the  men  greatly  exceed  those 
by  the  v,omen  ; and  the  fact  is  accounted  for 
on  self-evident  principles.  But  it  has  been  sa- 
tisfactorily established,  that  upwards  of  ten 
thousand  women  commit  suicide  annually  in 
India.  What  becomes,  then,  of  the  analogy 
between  the  immolations  of  men  in  India  and 
in  England,^ 

Again  : the  immolations  in  India  differ  en- 
tirely from  suicide  in  England,  in  ihe  principle^ 
or  moving  cause  of  the  act.— -Religious  suicide 
among  the  Hindoos  is  an  act  quite  distinct  from 
*that  suicide  in  Europe  which  results  from  des- 
pair, A Hindoo  is  not  usually  urged  to  this 
act  by  a sentiment  of  despair,  but  by  the  con- 
viction of  a meritorious  deed;  by  the  belief 
that  he  purchases  heaven  by  his  oivn  blood  ^ 
or  by  sympathetic  phrensy.  He  devotes  himself 
to  death  with  the  same  feeling,  and  on  the  same 
principle,  that  he  devotes  his  “ first-born  child 
to  Gupga,”  and  can  behold  the  infant  in  the 


PREFACE. 


7 


jaws  of  the  alligator  without  compassion  or 
compunction.  The  advocates  for  the  tranquil 
continuance  of  the  superstition  of  Brahma  will 
not  deny,  that,  whatever  he  its  actual  charac- 
ter, or  whoever  be  the  spiritual  deity  that  rules 
its  votaries,  it  destroys  all  the  “ tender  visit- 
ings  of  nature.’’ 

It  is  proper  I should  say  something  on  the 
subject  of  the  Second  Letter  in  the  following 
pages.  In  three  publications  concerning  India, 
viz.  “ A Memoir  of  the  Expediency  of  an  Ec- 
clesiastical Establishment,”  the  “ Christian  Re- 
searches in  Asia,”  and  the  ‘‘  Brief  View'  of  the 
State  of  the  British  Colonies  in  Respect  to  Re- 
ligious Instruction,”  there  is  no  exposition  of 
the  peculiar  subject  of  that  letter.  And  it  is 
most  certain,  that  it  would  not  now  have  been 
given,  had  not  an  attempt  been  made,  in  a pa- 
per laid  before  the  Council  of  the  Nation,  to 
represent  the  “ sculptures  on  the  walls  of  Jug- 
gernaut” as  being  as  harmless,  in  regard  to 
their  moral  effect  on  the  Hindoos,  as  the  figures 
on  an  Etruscan  vase  are  to  us  : from  vvhiedi  the 
conclusion  naturally  would  be,  that  the  worship 
of  the  Hindoos  is  not  more  contaminated  by  in- 
delicacy than  that  of  the  English. 

I would  beg  leave  to  notice  in  this  place  the 
late  discussion  in  Parliament  concerning  the 
enormities  of  the  Hindoo  worship,  and  tiie  at- 
tempt made  by  some  Honorable  Members  to 
qualify  them.  I understood,  some  time  ago, 
that  the  statement  in  my  own  writings  which 
chiefly  excited  animadversion,  was  that  which 
refers  to  the  burning  of  women.  But  I pre- 


is 


PREFACE. 


sume  that  it  is  now  generally  known,  that 
subsequent  statements  ot*  indubitable  authority 
have  far  exceeded  mine,  and  have  set  the  ques- 
tion at  rest. 

Perhaps  the  Honorable  Members  above  al- 
luded to  are  nut  aware,  that  a work  has  been 
recently  published  in  Bengal,  in  four  volumes 
quarto,  entitled,  “ An  Account  of  the  Writings, 
Keligiou,  and  Manners  of  the  Hindoos,  includ- 
ing Translations  from  their  principal  Works  ; 
by  William  Ward,  one  of  the  Baptist  Mission- 
aries at  Serampore  which  has  been  bought 
np  with  avidity  in  India,  has  already  passed 
tiirough  two  editions,  and  is  now  republishing 
in  this  country.  It  was  printed  under  the  im- 
mediate eye  of  the  Supreme  Government  (as  it 
necessarily  must  be),  and  possesses  an  unques- 
tionable authenticity,  generally,  on  the  various 
subjects  concerning  wiiich  it  treats.  It  takes 
the  high  ground  of  literal  translations  from  the 
Hindoo  books,  recent  events,  and  living  wit- 
nesses.— Now,  this  work  not  only  confirms  the 
statements  in  my  volumes,  in  most  points  which 
were  controverted,  but  it  goes  far  beyond  them. 
It  describes,  for  example,  the  atrocities  con- 
nected with  the  burning  of  women,  self-torture, 
and  the  imparity  of  the  Hindoo  worship,  in 
such  a manner  as  shews  that  1 have  scarcely 
entered  the  vestibule  of  their  temple.  It  states, 
that  an  attempt  was  made  to  ascertain  tlje 
number  of  widows  who  were  burned  alive,  with- 
in thirty  miles  around  Calcutta,  in  the  year 
1S03,  and  “ that  the  return  made  a total  of 
four  hundred  and  thirty-eight.”  And,  in  re- 
gard to  the  circumstances  of  horror  which 


PREFACE. 


9 


sometimes  attend  these  scenes,  I beg  the  reader 
will  accept  the  two  following  examples.  The 
first  has  already  been  noticed  in  the  House  of 
Commons,  in  answer  to  an  opposing  statement 
which  asserted  the  “filial  piety’’  of  the  Hindoos. 

“ About  the  year  1796,  the  following  most 
shocking  and  attrocious  murder,  under  the 
name  of  suhumurunu,*  was  perpetrated  at  Mu- 
jilupoor,  about  a day’s  journey  south  from  Cal- 
cutta. Vaucha-ramu,  a Bramliun,  of  the  above 
place,  dying,  his  wife  went  to  be  burnt  with  the 
body  ; all  the  previous  ceremonies  were  per- 
formed ; she  was  fastened  on  the  pile,  and  the 
fire  w as  kindled.  The  funeral  pile  v^as  by  the 
side  of  some  brushwood,  and  near  a river.  It 
was  at  a late  hour  when  the  pile  was  lighted, 
and  was  a very  dark,  rainy  night.  When  the 
fire  began  to  scorch  this  poor  woman,  she  con- 
trived to  disentangle  herself  from  the  dead  bo- 
dy, crept  from  under  the  pile,  and  hid  herself 
among  the  brushwood.  In  a little  time  it  was 
discovered  that  only  one  body  w^as  on  the  pile. 
The  relations  immediately  took  the  alarm,  and 
began  to  hunt  for  the  poor  wretch  who  had  made 
her  escape.  After  they  had  found  her,  the  son 
dragged  her  forth,  and  insisted  upon  her  throw- 
ing herself  upon  the  pile  again,  or  that  she 
should  drown  or  hang  herself.  She  pleaded 
for  her  life,  at  the  hands  of  her  own  son,  and 
declared  she  could  not  embrace  so  horrid  a 
death.  But  she  pleaded  in  vain;  the  son  urg- 
ed that  he  should  lose  his  cast,  and  that,  there- 
fore, he  would  die  or  she  should.  Unable  to 


* Siilm,  xvith  : murunu,  deaths 


10 


PREFACE. 


persuade  her  Jo  han^  or  drown  Iierself,  the  son 
and  the  others  tlien  tied  her  hands  and  her  feet, 
and  threw  her  on  tlie  funeral  pile,  where  she 
quickly  perished.” 

The  other  example,  which  fiir  exceeds  the 
foregoing  in  awful  enormity,  is  the  following  : 
— Goopinat’hu,  a Bramhun  employed  in  the 
Serampore  printing-office,  in  the  year  1799 
saw  twenty-tivo  females  burnt  alive  with  the 
remains  of  Ununtu,  a Bramhun  of  Bagnuparu, 
near  Nudeeyu.  This  Koolinu  Bramhun  had 
more  than  a hundred  wives.  At  the  first  kin- 
dling of  the  fire  only  three  of  these  wives  had 
arrived.  The  fire  was  kept  kindled  three  days  ! 
When  one  or  more  arrived,  the  ceremonies  were 
gone  through,  and  they  threw  themselves  on  the 
blazing  fire  I On  the  first  day  three  were 
burned  5 on  the  second  and  third  days,  nineteen 
more.  Among  these  women,  some  were  as 
much  as  forty  years  old,  and  others  as  young 
as  sixteen.  The  three  first  had  lived  with  this 
Bramhun,  the  others  had  seldom  seen  him.  He 
married  in  one  house  four  sisters  3 two  of  these 
were  among  the  number  burnt.” 

Now,  if  the  horrible  transaction  here  related 
did  not  take  place,  it  is  very  easy  to  ascertain 
the  fact.  Nudeeyu,  or  as  it  is  conrmonly  cal- 
led, Nuddeea,  is  at  no  great  distance  up  the  ri- 
ver above  Calcutta.  The  event  is  said  to  have 
occurred  in  1799.  If  it  did  take  place  in  that 
year,  hundreds  of  people  now  alive  must  have 
witnessed  it.  The  Brahmin,  who  had  a hun- 
dred wives,  must  have  been  well  known.  Let 
the  inquiry  then  be  made  ; and  let  the  credit  of 
the  work,  generally,  rest  on  the  result.  I know 


PREFACE. 


11 


liolliing  of  llie  merits  of  tlie  book,  but  I depend 
on  the  character  of  the  authors  and  the  circum- 
stances under  which  it  is  publTshed;  and  I say 
that  the  probability  of  the  truth  of  the  trans- 
action jest  related  is  as  great  as  the  absurdity 
would  be  of  supposing  the  follov,ing  ease,  viz. 
“ That  an  autlior  couitl  be  found  in  England 
nlio  should  pub]i>h  a Mork,  in  four  volumes 
quarto,  in  which  it  should  be  stated,  that  in  the 
year  1799  twenty-two  women  were  burnt  alive 
on  the  banks  of  the  Thames  at  Richmond,  and 
that  the  tire  was  kept  burning  three  days  ; and 
moreover,  tliat  the  book  was  published  nith  the 
express  leave  of  the  King,  under  the  eye  and 
responsibility  of  his  government.*’* 

As  certain  trentlcmen  fiom  India  have  been  ac- 
cused in  Parliament  of  “ pertinaciously  denying  facts, 
as  the  easiest  mode  of  resisting  the  religions  improve- 
ment of  India,”  it  is  proposed  to  do  them  justice,  and 
to  prove  their  sagacity,  by  the  investigation  of  the 
above  sacrifice  of  twenty-two  women  on  one  pile  ; and 
thei?  attention  should  be  steadily  fixed  in  the  contem- 
plation of  the  subject,  until  they  or  their  parliamentary 
accusers  shall  have  obtained  the  victory.  Or  if  they 
should  like  the  investigation  of  the  following  fact  bet- 
ter, it  imw  be  adopted  with  equal  propriety  : liie  event 
occurred  in  ^May  or  June  of  last  year,  at  Cliunakuli, 
not  far  from  Calcutta  ; and  the  account  of  it  was  soon 
after  printed  and  published  in  Bengal.  A Kooleen 
Brahmin  died  at  Chunakuli,  “who  had  married  twen- 
ty-five women,  thirteen  of  whom  died  during  his  life- 
time : the  remaining  twelve  perished  witli  him  on  the 
fiinera.1  pile,  leaving-  thirty  children  to  deplore  th.e  fatal 
effects  of  tills  liorrid  system.” — The  same  printed  ac- 
count immediately  states  the  following  fact,  as  illus- 
trative of  the  system  : — “ Some  years  ago  a Kooleen 
Bra’umin,  of  considerable  property,  died  at  Sookachura, 
three  miles  east  of  Scrampore  (where  the  Missionaries 


PREFACE. 


IJ 


Zei^enbalg.  and  liis  fellow-missionaries,  6rst 
^avp  tlie  only  satisfactory  account  of  the  man- 
ners and'  religion  of  the  South  of  India.*  It 
was  to  be  expected  that  the  present  Missiona- 
ries in  Bengal  would  give  the  most  particular 
account  of  the  North.  In  every  heathen  na- 
tion, the  Missionaries  are  generally  best  qua- 
lified to  delineate  the  character  of  the  inhabi- 
tants. Both  in  the  Eastern  and  Western  He- 
mispiieres  the  rfiligioiis  men  have  described  the 
country  and  manners  of  the  people.  The  com- 
mercial men  in  the  East  know,  in  general,  very 

liA'c.)  He  had  married  more  than  forty  women,  all  of 
\v)\ora  died  before  liim,  excepting’  eighteen.  On  this 
occasion  a fire,  extending  ten  or  twelve  yards  in  leng'th, 
was  prepared,  into  which  the  remaining  eighteen  threw 
tliemselves,  leaving  more  than  forty  children,  many  of 
whom  are  still  living.’’ 

Or,  if  the  case  of  the  scA'enty  women,  who  were  sa- 
crificed m May  ai'.d  J’one  of  last  year,  within  two  hun- 
dred miles  of  Calcutta,  of  whom  the  tweh’e  above- 
mentioned  were  a part,  and  of  whom  a.  list  and  parti- 
cula"  account,  recording  name  and  place,  was  lately  in- 
serted in  tlie  public  papers,  should  be  thought  a more 
suitable  subject  for  enquiry,  it  may  be  undertaken. 
This,  indeed,  appears  to  be  tlie  fittest  case  of  all  for 
trial  and  actual  proof ; for  it  is  stated  tliat  there  are 
“one  hundred  and  eighty-four”  wnxrssEs,  who  may  be 
produced  ; nam.ely,  the  one  Inindred  and  eighty-four 
orplians  of  the  deceased  fathers  and  sacrificed  mothers. 
The  places  where  tlu  se  witnesses  reside  have  all  been 
printed ; and  are  not,  in  general,  far  from  Calcutta. — 
Appendix,  J\  o.  IX  ) 

* The  transactions  of  the  Tranquebar  Mission  fill 
many  volun^s  in  quarto,  in  the  German  language.  A 
very  small  portion  of  them  has  been  translated  into 
English. 


PREFACE. 


13 

liltJe  of  the  subject.  Resident  generally  in 
towns  or  on  tlie  sea-coast,  and  occupied  by  fo- 
reign avocations,  they  rarely  penetrate  into  the 
interior,  to  investigate,  under  a meridian  sun, 
the  manners  and  customs  of  the  people.  As 
to  the  literary  men,  again,  who  merely  consult 
books,  their  advantages  of  information  are  con- 
fessedly very  far  inferior  to  those  of  the  Mis- 
sionaries. Of  this  general  ignorance  ofEnglish 
residents  in  India  concerning  native  scenes,  vve 
have  lately  had  some  remarkable  examples  in 
the  evidence  delivered  at  the  bar  of  the  House^ 
of  Commons.  Gentlemen  who  had  occupied 
high  official  stations  in  that  country  betrayed  a 
defect  of  information  respecting  the  state  of  the 
natives,  and  the  progress  of  Christianity  in  dif- 
ferent provinces,  which  has  been  contemplated 
by  many  with  utter  astonishment.  The  circum- 
stance, however,  may  be  accounted  for,  in  some 
degree,  by  the  following  consideration.  India 
is  not  less  than  three  thousand  miles  in  extent. 
Now  the  Shetland  Islands  are  only  seven  hun- 
dred miles  from  London ; but  a merchant  in 
London  knows  very  little  about  the  manners 
and  customs  of  the  Shetland  Isles.  Thus  it  is 
in  Hindostan.  A merchant  in  Bengel  knows 
in  general  very  httle  of  what  is  passing  seven 
hundred  miles  from  that  province.  But,  if  the 
fjuestion  respects  a distance  of  two  thousand  or 
tliree  thousand  miles,  it  is  much  if  he  have  a 
n>ap  of  the  country.  In  the  time  of  Governor 
Hastings,  llie  life  and  acts  of  the  illustrious 
SvvAUTz,  his  contemporary,  and  of  his  learned 
predecessors  and  their  transactions  at  the  Courts 
of  Tanjore  and  Mysore,  and  the  progress  of 


rUEFACE. 


ll* 

Christianity  in  tlie  sonlhern  regions  and  Cey- 
lon, were  all  of  tljem  circumstances  nearly  as 
much  unknown  in  Bengal,  as  the  transactions  of 
the  (’atholie  Missionaries  at  the  Court  of  Pe- 
kin, or  the  state  of  Clirisliauity  in  the  interior 
of  China. 

The  great  extent  of  HinJostan  in  longitude 
and  latitude,  may  also  account,  in  some  degree, 
for  the  discrepancy  of  relations  concerning  the 
Hindoo  people  ; for  in  the  nations  between  Cey- 
lon and  Cabal,  there  are  as  great  differences  in 
manners,  customs,  and  religion,  as  in  those  be- 
tween the  Shetland  Isles  and  Constantinople. 
Our  nation  has  lately  wondere^l  at  the  flattering 
acconijt  given  of  the  Hindoos  at  the  bar  of  the 
House  of  Commons,  l»y  some  eloquent  advocates 
for  the  continuance  of  (heir  existing  state.  Bat 
the  above  consideration,  of  the  great  extent  of  the 
Imlian  Continent,  may*  sni^gest  the  possibility, 
that,  in  some  favoured  region,  a people  may  ex- 
ist, difiering  in  certain  respects,  from  the  Hin- 
doos ill  general ; “a  civilized  and  moral  people,*’ 
who“  treat  their  females  with  confidence, respect 
and  delicacy  ;”  who  practice  t!;e  virtues  of“  hos- 
pitality and  charity;”  who  are  ‘‘distinguished 
by  the  finest  qualities  of  the  mind;”  who  are 
“brave,  generous  and  humane;  and  tlieir  truth 
as  remarkable  as  their  courage  and  who,  in 
short,  like  St.  Pierre's  “ happy  Indian  family,” 
may  w ell  make  Christians  blush.  The  accounts 
do  not  add  wliether  these  Hindoos  have  renoun- 
ccil  liie  worship  of  tlie  Lingam  ; for  the  adage 
still  holds  good,  “ If  you  would  know  the  cha- 
racter of  tlie  nation,  look  at  tlie  temple.”  It  is 
a rule  in  our  creneral  rellections  on  nations. 


PREFA0E. 


15 


to  beware,  lest  by  iindfily  exalting  paganism, 
we  should  debase  Christianity.  It  is  yet  abet- 
ter rule  to  acknowledge  the  Bible  in  onr  old 
age,  and  to  do  some  honour  to  Christianity  be- 
fore we  die.*  Many  of  us  from  India  had,  cer- 
tainly, little  opportunity  of  doing  honour  to 
Christianity  there.  Let  us  then  look  into  the 
Bible  at  home  ; and  w hile  we  cherish  w ith  lau- 
dable anxiety  a desire  to  do  justice  to  the  Hin- 
doos, to  give  to  Brahma  that  which  is  Brah- 
ma’s, let  us  also  endeavour  to  give  unto  God 
that  which  is  God's.”  We  shall  shortly  be 
placed  in  circumstances,  even  perhaps  before 
we  leave  this  w orld,,  when  the  reflection  that 
we  had  “ stood  on  the  Lord’s  side,”  w ill  be 
grateful  to  the  soul,  and  support  the  sinking 
spirits;  and,  when,  in  the  review  of  all  the 
nations  which  we  have 'witnessed,  and  in  re- 
collection of  their  principles  and  actions,  we 
shall  bequeath  to  them^this  wish.  That  the 
hook  of  God’s  revealed  w ill  may  go  forth  a- 
inong  them,  as  the  best  blessing  to  maiikiud  ! 

Isi  Jidy^  1313. 

* It  is  to  be  hoped,  for  tlie  credit  of  British  India,  that 
the  next  g-eneration  of  gx^'iitlemen  returning'  from  that 
country,  will  not  expose  themselves  to  the  severe  and 
pointed  remark  of  Lord  Milton,  the  son  of  Earl  Fitz- 
william,  in  !iis  speech  in  the  House  of  Commons.  “ I 
want  no  more,”  said  lie,  “ to  convince  me  of  the  neces- 
sity of  t!ie  reiig'ious  improvement  of  India,  than  the 
sentiipents  which  have  been  uttered  this  eveniiyg  by 
.gentlemen  relumed  from  that  ciuarter.” — Debate  of 
the  17 th  Jane,  1813. 


' V ‘ ' t-"’ 

raiiiCE'x.:: 


\th50LOGIC2;.I' ,;':■  i 


TO  THE  COURT  OF  DIRECTORS  OF  THE  HON. 
EAST-INDIA  COMPANY. 


HONORABLE  SIRS, 

1 WAS  yesterday  favoured  with  a copy  of 
a letter  addressed  hy  Mr.  Charles  Buller  to 
your  Honourable  Court,  dated  the  19th  instant, 
w hieh  has  been  ordered  to  be  laid  on  the  table 
of  the  House  of  Commons,  relatin,^  to  the  wor- 
ship of  the  idol  Ju^.^eriiaut;  and  1 now  beg 
leave  to  submit  some  remarks  on  that  document. 
The  reference  whielr  the  writer  makes  to  me 
hy  name,  and  to  my  publications  on  this  sub- 
ject, w'ill  apologize  for  my  doing  myself  the 
honour  of  addressing  your  Honourable  Court. 

Par.  1.  Mr.  Bulier  fully  confirms,  in  essen- 
tial points,  the  general  statements  made  by  me, 
concerning  the  part  which  the  Bengal  Govern- 
ment has  taken  in  the  superjntendanee  of  Jug- 
gernaut, and  in  deriving  revenue  from  the  wor- 
ship of  the  idol  ; but  he  defends  the  policy. 
With  that  1 have  nothing  to  do.  He  admits, 
also,  that  seif-immoiation  under  the  wheels  of 
the  car  is  practiced,  but  thinks  the  instances 
are  rare.  I am  of  opinion  that  they  are  rare 
also  ; rare,  I mean,  when  compared  with  the 
number  of  females  immolated  on  the  funeral 


LEM'LK  I. 


17 


pile.  He  heard  of  one  immolation  while  he 
was  at  Juggernaut ; and  1 have  stated  that  I 
saw  two. 

2.  The  oaly  part  of  his  letter  that  I need  to 
notice,  is  that  which  relates  to  the  indecency  of 
the  exhibition  at  Juggernaut “ On  that  point, 
(lie  says)  my  attention  was  directed  to  a pub- 
lication by  the  Rev.  Claudius  Buchanan,  who 
speaks  of  a priest  having  pronounced  certain 
obscene  stanzas  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  and 
of  certain  indecent  gestures  exhibited  by  a hoy 
and  a priest  on  the  ear.”  On  tlsis  passage  Mr. 
Bulier  observes  : — ‘‘  I do  not  mean  to  doubt 
the  fact.”  With  respect  to  the  indecent  ges- 
tures said  to  have  been  exhibited  on  the  car, 
all  I can  say  is,  that  if  such  things  are  done  I 
never  saw  them.”  In  the  foregoing  quotations 
I state  what  I saw  in  1806,  and  Mr.  BuHer 
states  what  he  did  not  see  in  i809. 

3.  On  my  witnessing  (he  atrocities  at  Jug- 
gernaut in  1809,  1 wrote  letters  from  tlie  spot 
to  a Member  of  the  Supreme  Goveriiment,  and 
• 0 tliC  Senior  Chajtlain  in  Bengal,  cmitainij.rg 
pm  lions  of  my  jouriia!  as  now  given  to  the  pub- 
lic, and  expressing  a hope  that  the  Bengal  Go- 
vernment would  use  its  influence  in  suppress- 
ing the  sauguinarv  and  indecent  exhibitions. 
These  letters  were  afterwards  ftiirly  copied, 
and  put  into  the  hands  of  many.  Men’s  minds 
were  shocked  by  the  recital,  and  Government 
was  blamed.  It  is  j)os?ible  tfjat  Mr.  Bulier 
may  not  liave  heard  of  these  letters,  al- 
tiiough  they  were  certainly  in  the  hands  of 
Ills  intimate  friends  5 and  in  that  ease  no  blame 
is  i nputable  to  iiim  for  not  having  alluded  to 

2* 


18 


LETTER  I. 


them.  Previously  to  this,  ©ne  of  the  members 
of  the  Supreme  Government  (Mr.  Uduy)  had 
protested  against  any  interference  at  ail  with 
the  idol  Juggernaut* 5 and  the  Marquis  Welles- 
ley had  declined  giving  Jus  sanction  to  the  law 
for  the  superintendance  and  controul  of  the 
temple.  The  rpiestion  now  was,  whether,  un- 
der existing  circumstances,  tlie  enormity  of 
these  scenes  might  not  be,  in  some  degree,  cjiia- 
lilied.  What  instructions  Government  may 
have  given  to  the  Superintendant  of  the  temple 
on  this  head,  I do  not  know,  as  1 soon  after  left 
the  country.  If  they  gave  none,  this  is  directly 
contrary  to  the  evidence  of  Mr.  Giaham  (him- 
self a ISleinber  of  the  Siij)reine  Government.) 
before  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Commons. 
If  the  Government  did  issue  some  instructions 
on  the  subject,  then  tliat  fact  alone  may  ac- 
count for  tlie  difterence  of  the  scenes  wliieh 
were  exhibited  to  me  in  180G,  and  to  Mr.  Buller 
in  1809. t 

* See  Ml*.  Udny’s  Minute  : Appendix,  No. 

j-  I allege  it  will  be  found,  that  Mr.  Buller  lias  charg'- 
ed  me  wiih  an  erroneous  statement  in  regard  to  the 
existence  of  that  which  I myself  contributed  to  abolish. 
Not  that  I can  believe  it  is  abolished.  By  no  means.  Li- 
oentiousness  is  accounted  as  legitimate  a character  of 
the  Rutt  Jattra  in  India,  as  it  was  of  the  feast  of  Bac- 
chus among  the  Greeks.  But  I collect  from  Mr.  Bul- 
ler’s  account,  that  a circumstance  has  taken  place 
which  I had  reason  to  expect  would  result  from  my 
public  remonstrance,  and  from  the  influence  of  the  Go- 
vernment  at  Juggernaut  ; namely,  that  there  is  no  lon- 
ger any  improper  exliibition  in  the  jiresence  of  Europe- 
ans of  rank  or  authority.  I had  myself  urged  on  the 


LETTER  I. 


19 


4.  1 shall  now  however  assume,  for  the  sake 
of  argument,  that  the  Bengal  Government  did 
not  send  instructions  to  the  Suj?erintendant  of 
Juggernaut  to  endeavour  to  qualify  the  enor- 
mity of  the  public  exhibitions  ; and  shall  pro- 
ceed to  review  tbe  opposing  statements  of  Mr. 
feuller  and  myself,  even  under  that  supposition. 
1 shall  simply  state,  in  the  first  place,  tliat  what 
1 saw  in  1806  was  seen,  in  part  at  least,  by 
others.  I appeal  to  Hen^y  Hunter,  Esq.  super- 
intendaniof  the  temple  in  1806,  and  toCapt. Pat- 
ton and  Lieut.  Woodcock,  military  oliicers  in 
the  Company’s  service,  then  on  doty  at  Jugger- 
naut, whether  they  have  not  at  any  time  wit- 
nessed the  priest,  wlm,  for  the  time,  directed 
the  car  of  tlie  idol,  standing  with  his  long  wand 
in  ]:is  hand  bcliind  the  wooden  horses,  project- 
ing tliis  wand  significantly,  and  with  most  un- 
seemly action,  using  at  the  same  time  other  in- 
decent gestures,  and  accompanying  these  ges- 
tures \Vith  songs  and  extempore  speeches,  ad- 
dressed to  a multitude  composed  of  both  sexes 

Merrsbers  of  the  Ben.sral  Government,  that  althoiigli  we 
could  not  Mel!  interfere  with  these  festivals  in  other 
places,  we  might  do  it  here;  inasmuch  as  we  had  now 
assumed  the  regulation  of  the  place  and  temple  (the 
law  for  tlie  “ .superintendance  and  management  of  the 
temple”  having  passed  about  two  months  before  I ar- 
rived,) and  as  the  priests  would  doubtless  be  civil  to 
our  requests,  as  receiving  tiieir  salaries  at  our  hands. 
This  reasoning  tvas  admitted  ; and  I was  given  to  un- 
derstand that  soiiiething  would  be  done. 

* I miglit  also  refer  to  Capt.  Comyn,  (or  Cummin)  a 
visitor,  and  to  other  gentlemen  who  might  have  vlshed 
Juggernaut  about  tlsat  period,  sojne  of  whom  may 
p.ossibl)'  be  now  in  England. 


LETTER  I. 


Sfi 

5.  ]Mr.  Biiller  wonders  how  I should  know* 
that  the  speeches  of  the  priest  were  indecent, 
as  he  thinks  it  probable  1 did  not  understa'^d 
the  vernacular  tongue  of  the  province  of  Orissa. 
In  reply  to  this,  I have  to  observe,  |hat  1 had 
two  translations  of  the  language  ; one  from  the 
indecent  gestures  of  the  priest,  whose  attitudes 
too  plainly  interpreted  his  words  ; and  another 
from  my  servants  around  me,  who  could  trans- 
late every  word  he  uttered. 

6.  The  writer  has  argued,  in  two  different 
places  of  his  letter,  as  if  1 had  said  that  my 
ears  were  shocked  by  hearing  the  songs,”  1 
have  used  no  such  words,  nor  any  thing  lika 
them,  ^ly  words  are  these  : “ 1 felt  a consci- 
ousness of  doing  wrong,  in  witnessing'  tliis  dis- 
gusting exhibition  ; and  was  somew  Isat  appal- 
led by  the  magnitude  and  horror  of  the  sjyec- 
tacle.^^ 

.7,  The  writer  marvels,  in  the  next  place, 
that  I should  have  iieard  any  thing  distinct- 
ly, on  account  of  the  noise  of  the  people  “ clap- 
ping their  hands,  talking,  shouting,  and  mer- 
ry-making,” in  a crowd  of  about  one  hun- 
dred thousand  ;”  particularly  “ when,  ow  ing 
to  the  distance  of  the  platform  on  w hich  the 
priest  stands,  one  could  not  by  any  endeavours 
get  within  ten  yards  of  him.”  Mr.  Buller 
would  leave  it  to  be  inferred  here,  that  I was 
not  within  “ ten  yards”  of  the  priest: — where- 
as I state,  ill  the  printed  account,  that  “ I went 
on  in  the  procession  close  liy  the  tower ;”  and, 
in  the  letters  circulated  at  Calcutta,  it  was 
stated,  that  I was  so  close  to  the  tower  “ as  to 
receive  a garland  of  flow  ers  from  the  hand  of 


LETTER  I. 


2i 


llie  priest.”  The  fact  was,  I could  touch  the 
car  with  my  hand,  during  almost  llie  whole 
time. 

8.  Mr.  Buller  observes  again,  that  the  “ noise 
of  tl-  3 people  was  incessant,  and  without  inter- 
mission,  so  that  he  could  not  hear  any  thing 
that  was  said.”  Doubtless  he  could  not  hear 
what  was  said  by  the  priest,  if  he  stood  at  a 
distance. — It  is  proper  to  explain  here  that,  on 
these  occasions,  Europeans  in  India  usually 
look  on  at  a distance,  on  account  of  the  press 
of  the  people.  At  Juggernaut,  in  1 P.06,  the 
English  gentlemen  usually  sat  in  the  Cutchery, 
or  public  office,  to  see  the  procession  pass.  I 
sat  there  for  a w bile  on  ditt'erent  days  ; but  I 
could  hear  or  see  nothing  distinctly,  except  at 
the  moment  of  passing,  aud  I joined  the  pro- 
cession. Mr.  Buller  mentions  that  some  ladies 
were  with  him  : it  is  therefore  probable  that 
Mr.  Buller  sat  all  the  while  with  the  ladies  in 
the  Cutchery,  and  that  they  did  not  follow  the 
idol  for  two  or  three  hours,  to  see  what  was 
transacting  among  the  people,  at  their  celebra- 
tion of  the  famed  Rutt  Jattra. 

9.  Mr.  Buller  thinks  that  the  noise  of  tlie 
people  about  the  car  is  “ incessant,  without  in- 
termission but  if  he  had  joined  Uie  car,  he 
would  have  found  that  this  is  not  the  case. 
AVhen  the  priest  pronounces  his  stanzas,  which 
he  does  generally  while  the  car  stands  still, 
thei’e  is  a solemn  silence  among  the  people  w ho 
are  near  it,  and  they  listen  with  keen  attention  : 
at  the  conclusion  they  respond  with  a sensual 
yell  of  approbation,  and  then  urge  the  car 
along.  Many  such  yells  I am  sureMr,  Buller 


^2 


LETTER  I. 


must  have  heard,  aliliou^h  he  might  not  have 
known  >\liat  it  was  that  produced  tliein.  To 
suppo«»e  that  the  priest  sliould,  on  any  public 
occasion,  address  the  people  and  not  be  listened 
to,  is  hardly  cousisteiit.  Mr.  Ruller’s  uck’,o\\  l- 
edged  Ignorance  of  this  notorious  circuiustarice, 
yiz.  thal  tliere  is  a iVequen?  intermission  of  the 
noise  of  ttie  people  about  the  car,  and  a gaping 
attention  to  devour  tlie  words  of  the  priest,  en- 
tirely convinces  me  that  he  must  be  wholly  ig- 
norant of  many  important  particulars  of  the 
native  scenes  at  Juggernaut. 

10.  1 do  not  impute  it  as  a fault  to  Mr.  Biil- 
ler,  that  he  has  come  away  so  imperfectly  in- 
formed respecting  the  scenes  of  Juggernaut ; 
nor  do  i nuieh  w ouder  at  it.  In  the  eight  years 
during  which  I beiieve  we  resided  together  in 
Calcutta,  1 never  met  Mr.  Buller  once,  that  1 
can  remember,  in  the  dist  - ict  of  the  natives,  at- 
tending a Sahamnron,*  or  witnessing  their  pio.- 
ccssions  or  religious  rites.  1 never  heard  tliat 
he  had  any  taste  for  investigating  the  existing 
customs  of  the  people,  or  any  solicitude  to  niw 
derstand  the  ciiaraeter  of  their  superstition, 
whether  for  the  pu.''pose  of  extending  Chris- 
tianity or  of  palliating  idolatry.  And  I dare 
say  he  w ill  candidly  confess,  that  wiiile  he  held 
his  high  station  at  Juggernaut,  he  never  dream- 
ed of  pulling  his  person  to  inconvenience  or 
danger,  by  prosecuting  researches  of  this  kind  ; 
and  that,  instead  of  visiting  frequently,  witii 
such  intent,  the  noisome  precincts  of  tlse  pollut- 
jid  town  an  ] temple,  he  preferred  the  salubrious 


burning  of  Women. 


LETTER  I. 


gales  at  his  residence,  on  the  pleasant  shores  of 
the  neiglihouring  sea.  I do  not,  I say,  impute 
it  as  a fault  to  Mr.  Buller,  that  he  has  not  a 
taste  for  sucli  inquiries  ; but  I wonder  exceed- 
i!)gl y that,  under  such  circumstances,  he  should, 
in  an  oilicial  letter  to  your  Honourable  Court, 
intended  to  be  laid  on  the  table  of  the  House  of 
Commons,  have  urged  (at  least  with  gravity) 
two  ohjectloMs  so  frivolous  aS  the  following  : 
First,  li'.at  possibly  1 did  not  understand  the 
dialect  of  Orissa  : and  second,  that  probably, 
if  I did  understand  it,  I was  at  too  great  a dis- 
tance from  tlie  speaker  to  itear  what  was  said. 
On  tliese  two  iiiuendos  rests  the  wiiole  argument 
of  Mr.  Buller,  on  the  {)oint  in  question,  addres- 
sed to  your  Honourable  Court. 

11.  Mr.  Buller  observes,  that  nothing  impro- 
per in  liie  exliibition  could  have  been  apprehen- 
ded when  he  was  at  Juggernaut,  otherwise  the 
gentlemeji  would  not  have  asked  the  ladies  to 
witness  the  procession.  This  is  specious ; but 
it  ainounis  to  little  when  the  circumstances  are 
explained.  Mr.  Hunter,  in  18G6,  (long  before 
Mr.  BuHer’s  arrival  at  Juggernaut,)  would 
doubtless  discouutenaiice  any  indecency  as  much 
as  he  could,  and  would  request  the  officiating 
priest  to  suppress  it,  at  least  in  the  presence  of 
Kuropeans.  1 ceiTainiy  had  some  conversation 
with  Mr.  Hunter  on  the  subject.  Tliere  was 
no  lady  at  Juggernaut  when  1 was  there.  Ou 
occasion  of  the  first  lady  coming  to  the  place, 
we  may  believe  that  some  endeavour  \>ou!d  be 
made,  by  the  interference  of  tlie  Company's  of- 
ficers, to  prevent  any  thing  improper  from  be- 
l!ig  practised,  while  lli^  idol  pa>iscd  the  Ceteh- 


LETTER  I. 


2i> 

ery.  If  the  director  of  the  ear  was  aware  tliat 
any  particular  practice  would  give  oiTeiiee  to 
the  Superiutendant  of  the  temple  (whose  local 
iuHiience  we  may  suppose  is  very  great,)  he 
l^oiild,  without  doubt,  in  deference  to  his  rank 
and  authority,  suppress  it  in  his  presence,  or 
w Idle  passing  the  Cutchery.  But  this  decidis 
nothing  as  to  the  character  of  the  Hindoo  fes- 
tival of  the  Rutt  Jattra.  Had  Mr.  Btiiler  ac- 
companied the  car  in  a private  character  for  a 
few  days,  he  would  have  returned  to  England 
w itli  very  different  impressions  of  the  orgies  of 
- Juggernaut.* 

12.  It  will  no'vv  he  proper  to  advert  to  the 
stanzas  of  the  otfieiating  jn  iest  w liiie  directing 
ilie  car.  Mr.  Buller  admits,  tiiat  “ the  songs 
in  question,  if  he  ma^  rely  on  the  information 
he  received,  are  denominated  Oubbee.”  He  was 
riglitly  Thformed.  Tliey  are  iiceutions  songs, 
recounting  the  amours  of  their  gods,  and  are 
replete  witli  obscenity.  !Mr.  Buller  apologises 
for  the  use  of  the  C'ubhee  in  these  words  ; “ But 
whoever  knows  any  thing  of  the  Hindoos,  must 
be  aware  tliat  their  veneration  for  antiquity  will 
not  allow  tiiem  to  depart  from  any  thing  which 
has  once  formed  a part  of  their  ceremonies.” 
I'liis  is  truly  said,  if  left  to  themselves,  with- 
out instruction  or  regard,  tlie  Hindoo  people 
will  never  depart  frosn  their  ancient  supersti- 
tions, liowever  sangiiinary  or  obscene. 

13.  As  to  Mr.  Builer’s  attempt  to  justify  the 
recital  of  the  Cubbee  in  the  public  festivals  of 

* I use  tlie  old  ortlio^rr.phy  in  wrilins;-  lids  vortl. 
En^lisli  org-ans  cannot  pr.^nounre  ..r.-f-p.-’  r-'. 


LETTER  I. 


25 


the  Hindoos,  by  intimating,  that  it  is  a spe- 
cies of  song  not  very  unlike  that  which  is  ad- 
mitted into  our  own  sacred  writings  I wiil 
not  sufter  myself  to  make  any  comment  upon  it 
in  a letter  addressed  to  your  Honourable  Court. 
Mr.  Buller  adds,  “ Ours”  (i.  e.  our  Cubbee) 
‘‘  I imagine  are  not  at  present  read  in  any  parts 
of  our  service.” 

14.  The  observations  and  arguments  of  Mr. 
Buller,  in  his  letter,  go  to  countenance  an  opin- 
ion tiiat  there  is  no  obscenity  in  the  Hindoo 
worship;  that  its  ancient  character  has  sud- 
denly disappeared  ; or  at  least,  if  it  exist  in  the 
derivative  streams,  that  it  is  not  to  be  found  at 
the  fountain  head.  He  says  that  he  not  only 
never  saM , but  tliat  he  never  heard  of  any  such 
thing.  Mr.  Buller  knows  well,  that  if  he  did 
not  chuse  to  make  inquiry,  the  natives  would 
never  let  him  hear  any  thing  to  their  disadvan- 
tage. But  1 must  beg  leave  most  respectfully 
to  assure  your  Honourable  Court,  that  Mr.  Bul- 
ler is  entirely  mistaken  in  his  estimate  of  the 
character  of  the  Hindoo  worship.  The  two 
characteristics  of  the  worship  of  Brama,  are 
impurity  and  blood.  The  emblems  of  the  for- 
mer vice  are  engraved  iii  durable  sculpture  ev- 
ery where  on  the  walls  of  the  temple.  Why 
are  they  thus  engraved.^  Because  they  consti- 
tute the  very  essence  of  the  Brahminical  su- 
perstition. No  labour  of  language,  no  qualifi- 
cation of  expression,  can  ever  do  away  this 
most  notorious  fact.  I w ould  add,  that  there  is 
not  a single  autheiiiic  historian  of  the  Hindoo 
manners  and  religion  from  Tavernier  down  to 
this  time,  who  has  ventured  to  dissemble  it. 


20 


L0TTER  1. 


1j.  Haviui;  said  thus  much  oil  subjects  which 
Mr.  Buller  controverts,!  think  it  fit  now  to  no- 
tice a siiliject  which  he  does  not  controvert, 
namely,  the  horrible  eftects*of  the  concourse  of 
Pilgrims  at  Ju^i^eriiaut.  Mr.  Buller  considers 
‘‘  that  the  pilgrims  come  from  all  parts  of  Hin- 
dustan, from  upwards  of  tOOO  miles  distance ; 
and  that  a large  proportion  of  these  consist  of 
the  old  and  inlirm,  who  come  for  the  express 
purpose  of  laying  their  bones  within  the  pre- 
cincts of  the  city.”  He  further  argues,  that 
even  if  there  were  ten  immolations  at  a single 
festival,  it  would  not  be  surprising,  considering 
the  extent  of  the  population  ; “ for  1 suppose,” 
he  adds,  the  whole  of  the  Hindoo  popula- 
tion, as  far  as  Cabul,  to  be  not  much  short  of 
two  hundred  millious.” 

16.  Mr.  Buller  would  maintain  the  proposi- 
tion, “ that  the  imposition  of  the  tax  diminishes 
the  number  of  pilgrims.”  But  the  events  of 
this  last  year  render  this  proposition  very  ques- 
tionable. I would  observe  in  the  mean  time, 
that  Mr.  Buller  would  place  the  policy  of  the 
tax  on  a new  ground,  namely,  the  diminution 
of  the  number  of  pilgrims,  and  the  consequent 
prevention  of  famine  and  death.”  Unfortu- 
nately for  this  argument,  it  is  a well-known 
fact,  that  while  the  temple  was  under  the  na- 
'tive  dominion,  when  the  tax  on  admission  was 
higher  than  it  is  now,  and  when  a discipline  w as 
preserved  among  the  people  which  we  would 
not  think  it  right  to  exert,  the  concourse  of  pil- 
grims was  yet  immeuse,  in  peaceable  limes  in- 
credibly great  and  the  consequent  evils  in  the 
necessary  proportion.  Mr.  Buller  describes  the 


LETTER  I. 


2? 


state  of  Juggernaut;  about  1805,  in  the  follovY- 
ing  words  ; ‘‘  During  the  time  that  access  was 
allowed  to  the  temple  without  the  tax,  the 
throng  of  people  at  the  place  was  so  great,  and 
such  a considerable  number  of  the  poorer  classes 
took  that  opportunity  of  visiting  the  temple, 
that  I w as  informed  that  several  persons  perish- 
ed from  actual  want  of  subsistence.  The  scenes 
on  the  road  were,  I am  told,  truly  shocking.* 
But  since  the  tax  has  been  continued,  the  num- 
bers of  the  pilgrims,  particularly  of  the  lower 
classes,  have  considerably  diminished.’’ — “ I 
should  regret  to  see  the  tax  abolished,  as  the 
abolition  of  it  would  render  it  difficult  to  re- 
strain and  regulate  the  numerous  bodies  of  pil- 
grims who  resort  to  the  place  ; and  it  would  in 
all  probability  be  the  cause  of  the  revival  of 
those  horrid  scenes  of  distress  which  were  be- 
fore experienced,  when  the  tax  was  discontinu- 
ed, and  of  which  the  traces  are  still  to  be  met 
with  in  the  numerous  human  bones  on  the 
road.” 

±7,  Your  Honourable  Court  will  be  concern- 
ed i;o  hear  that  the  accounts  lately  received  re- 
present the  state  of  Juggernaut  as  being  more 
shocking  than  ever.  The  “ revival  of  those 
horrid  scenes,”  which  Mr.  Buller  only  antici- 
pated from  the  abolition  of  the  tax,  has  taken 
place  during  its  continuance.  In  the  Periodi- 
cal Accounts  recently  published,  which  have 
been  transmitted  by  the  Baptist  Mission  in  In- 
dia, there  is  a communication  from  the  eorres- 

* These  scenes  took  place  just  previously  to  Br, 
Buchanan’s  visit  to  Juggernaut,  which  was  in  1806, 


28 


LETTER  I. 


pondents  of  the  Society  in  Orissa,  Messrs.  Pe- 
ter, Smith,  and  Green.  Mr.  Peter  liad  been 
stationed  for  some  time  as  Missionary  at  Bala- 
sore,  from  whence  he  proceeded  to  preach  at 
Bnddnick,  Gaj-poora,  and  Cuttack,  in  his  way 
towards  Juggernaut.  He  states,  that  the  an- 
xiety of  the  pilgrims  to  hear  him  explain  the 
Christian  faith  (for  he  is  a native  born,  of  dark 
complexion,  and  speaks  the  language  like  them- 
selves) was  unaccountably  great;  that  their 
avidity  to  receive  copies  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures was  extreme;  and  that  it  was  altogether 
beyond  his  ability  to  supply  the  demand.  He 
adds,  that  the  Knglish  Colonel  and  his  ofiiceis 
have  been  present  on  those  occasions.  Messrs. 
Smith  and  Green  write  from  Cuttack,  that  the 
worship  of  the  idol  Juggernaut  had  been  more 
numerously  attended  than  usual.  “ You  would 
have  been  astonished,”  say  they,  to  see  the 
vast  number  of  pilgrims  crossing  the  river  at 
Cuttack.  As  far  as  the  eye  could  reach  we 
could  not  see  the  end  of  the  ranks  ; it  put  us 
in  mind  of  an  army  going  to  battle.” — “ 1 on 
can  easily  conceive  what  a multitude  of  men, 
women,  and  children  must  have  been  assembled 
at  the  temple,  for  one  hundred  and  fifty,  or 
thereabouts,  to  have  been  killed  in  the  crowd. 
They  trdd  one  upon  another  in  approaching  the 
temple  gate.  Ten  Sepovs  per  company  from 
all  the  battalions,  from  Rarrackpore  to  this 
station,  had  permission  to  visit  the  temple.  A 
famine  was  produced  in  the  country,  and  great 
numbers  of  the  pilgrims  died  of  hunger  and 
thirst.  We  talked  to  some  of  them,  but  it  was 
of  no  use.  They  said,  whether  we  survive  or 


LETTER  I. 


29 


not,  we  will  see  the  temple  of  Juggernaut  be- 
fore our  death.  umbers  killed  themselves  by 
falling  under  the  wheels  of  the  idol's  car. 
They  laid  themselves  flat  on  their  backs,  for 
the  very  purpose  of  being  crushed  to  death  by 
it.”*  The  number  of  the  pilgrims  here  said 
to  have  been  killed  in  the  crowd,  may  perhaps 
be  overstated,  as  the  writers  probably  received 
the  report  of  the  natives.  But  if  tuo-thirds 
of  the  number  were  deducted,  the  horrible  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case  remain  the  same. 

18.  I shall  add  the  testimony  of  Dr.  Carey 
on  the  subject  of  the  consumption  of  human 
lives  at  Juggernaut  at  this  time.  I need  not 
add,  that  Dr.  Carey  is  a man  of  unquestiona- 
ble integrity;  that  he  has  been  long  held  in  es- 
timation by  the  most  respectable  characters  in 
Bengal,  and  possesses  very  superior  opportuni- 
ties of  knowing  what  is  passing  in  India  gener- 
ally. In  a letter  lately  received,  he  thus  ex- 
presses himself : 

‘‘  Idolatry  destroys  more  than  the  sword,  yet 
in  a way  which  is  scarcely  perceived.  The 
numbers  who  die  in  their  long  pilgrimages, 
either  through  want  or  fatigue,  or  from  dysen- 
teries and  fevers  caught  by  lying  out,  and  want 
of  accommodation,  is  incredible.  I only  men- 
tion one  idol,  the  famous  Juggernaut  in  Orissa, 
to  which  twelve  or  thirteen  pilgrimages  are 
made  every  year.  It  is  calculated  that  the 
number  who  go  thither  is,  on  some  occasions, 
600,000  persons,  and  scarcely  ever  less  than 
100,000.  I suppose,  at  the  lowest  calculation, 


Periodical  Accounts  of  Baptist  Mission,  No.  xxiii. 


30 


LETTER  I. 


that,  in  the  year,  1,200,000  persons  attend. 
Now,  it*  only  one  in  ten  died,  the  mortality  caus- 
ed by  this  one  idol  would  be  120,000  in  a year; 
hut  some  are  of  opinion  that  not  many  more 
than  one  in  ten  survive,  and  return  home  again. 
Besides  these,  1 calculate  that  10,000  women  i 
annually  burn  with  the  bodies  of  their  deceased 
liusbands,  and  the  multitudes  destroyed  in  oth- 
er methods  would  swell  the  catalogue  to  an  ex- 
tent almost  exceeding  credibillity.”* 

With . regard  to  the  number  of  women  who 
hum  themselves  annually  in  India,  there  are 
two  circumstances  which  render  it  probable, 
that  it  is  at  least  as  great  as  Ur.  Carey  com- 
putes it.  The  first  is,  that  Mr.  Buller,  who 
w as  long  Secretary  to  the  Board  of  Revenue  in 
liid’i,  has  calculated  that  the  population,  ex- 
tending as  far  as  Cabul,  is  not  much  short  of 
“ two  hundred  millions.”  The  other  circum- 
stance is,  that  a Report  has  arrived,  printed  in 
Bengal  at  the  press  of  the  Missionaries  (and 
your  Honourable  Court  knows  the  attention  of 
your  Bengal  Government  to  every  thing  that  is 
printed  there,)  stating,  that  Seventy  Females 
had  burned  themselves  in  the  months  of  May 
and  June  last,  between  Cossimbazar  (about  two 
hundred  miles  above  Calcutta)  and  the  mouth 
of  the  Hooghly  river,  leaving  one  hundred  and 
eighty-four  orplians.”  The  name  and  age  of 
every  woman  are  given,  and  also  the  places 
where  the  burning  took  place,  and  w here  the 
orphans  live.  These  unhappy  witnesses  can 


Periodical  Accounts  of  Baptist  Mission,  Xo.  xxiii. 


LETTER  I. 


31 


satisfy  those  persons  who  may  doubt  the  truth 
of  the  printed  account.* 

19.  There  is  a disposition  prevalent  at  pres^ 
ent  to  disparage  the  testimony  of  the  Christian 
Missionaries.  It  is  supposed  by  their  adver- 
saries that,  if  they  can  in  any  way  impeach  the 
credit  of  a promoter  of  Christianity,  they  gain 
somewhat  in  the  present  question.  But  the 
cause  of  Christianity  will  prevail.  It  will  be 
found,  that  the  profession  of  Christianity  and 
a desire  to  promote  it,  are  generally  accom- 
panied by  a love  of  truth,  Tim  respectability 
of  the  Christian  Missionary  will  increase  in  this 
nation,  while  the  character  and  testimony  of  the 
supporters  of  Brahma  will  sink  and  be  dimin- 
ished. It  is  true,  an  ardent  zeal  for  the  ditfu- 
sion  of  the  blessings  of  religion  will,  in  some 
cases,  particularly  in  the  view  of  impious 
scenes,  excite  indigsiation,  and  may  produce  too 
high  a colouring  in  statement  (which  is  exceed- 
ingly reprehensible,)  and  narrators  may  make 
mistakes  in  description.  But  still  the  substance 
of  the  facts  (which  they  think  it  necessary  to 
communicate  to  their  country  in  defence  of  the 
honour  of  Christianity)  will  remain.  In  like 
manner,  a writer,  animated  by  a zeal  of  a con- 
trary character,  may  be  able,  by  the  power  of 
high  embellishment,  by  noticing  indifterent  cir- 
cumstances and  entirely  suppressing  others,  to 
represent  the  idol  Juggernaut  as  being  merely 
one  of  ‘‘  the  gay  and  elegant  deities  of  Greece 
and  Rome but  the  substance  of  the  facts,  as 
stated  by  others,  will  remain  the  same  : it  will 


* See  Appendix,  No.  IX. 


3:3 


BETTER  It 

still  coutinue  true,  that  Juggernaut  is  a fountain 
of  vice  and  misery  to  millions  of  mankind;  that 
the  sanguinary  and  obscene  character  of  the 
worsliip  Is  in  the  highest  degree  revolting;  and 
that  it  will  be  a njost  happy  event  nhen  our 
Christian  nation  shall  dissolve  its  connection 
>vith  that  polluted  place. 

2Q.  The  annual  waste  of  human  life,  from 
the  causes  that  have  been  mentioned,  in  tlie  ter-- 
ritories  under  the  dominion  of  the  Honourable 
the  East-india  Company,  is  a subject  of  appal- 
ling contemplation.  Every  friend  of  humanity 
must  be  often  putting  the  question,  Is  this 
scene  to  continue  forever  ? Can  tiiere  be  no 
melioration  of  human  existence  in  India  ? Are 
there  no  means  of  mitigating  the  anguish  of  re- 
flection in  England,  nhen  we  consider  that  the 
desolations  of  Juggernaut  exist  under  our  gov- 
ernment Ves,  we  ansxver,  there  are  means. 
We  have  seen  with  what  avidity  the  Holy 
Scriptures  are  received  by  the  pilgrims.  These 
pilgrims  come  from  every  part  of  Judia ; some 
from  Cabal,  a distance  of  1600  miles,  and  some 
from  Samarchand.  They  are  the  representa- 
tives of  a population,  amounting,  as  we  have 
seen,  to  two  hundred  millions.”  They  are 
of  every  caste,  and  many  of  them  of  no  caste 
at  all.  The  Bible  is,  by  the  inscrutable  provi- 
dence of  God,  at  hand  : if  has  been  translated 
into  the  languages  of  India.  Would  it  not, 
then,  be  worthy  of  the  East-India  Company  to 
order  ten  thousand  copies  to  be  distributed  an- 
nually at  Juggernaut,  in  any  manner  that  pru- 
dence would  justify,  and  experience  direct,  as 
a sacred  return  for  the  revenue  we  derive  from 


LETTER  ir. 


33 


it,  if  it  sliould  be  thought  right  that  that  reve- 
nue should  still  he  continued  ? The  Scriptures 
would  thus  he  carried  to  the  extremities  of  India 
and  the  East.  Is  it  possible  that  the  shadow 
of  an  objection  should  arise  against  such  a 
measure,  innoxious,  as  it  is  humane  and  heaven- 
ly, in  its  tendency  ? Are  we  afraid  that  the 
wretches  who  come  to  lay  their  hones  within 
the  precincts  of  duggeri’iaut”  would  mutiny  and 
take  away  our  dominion  ? Would  not  the  con- 
sequence be  rather,  that  “the  blessing  of  Him 
that  was  ready  to  perish”  would  rest  upon 
you  ? 

I have  the  honour  to  be. 

Honourable  Sirs, 

Your  most  obedient  Servant. 

C.  BUCHANAN'. 

Kirbv  Hall,  Borobridge, 

25th  May,  1813. 


LETTER  IL 


TO  THE  COURT  OF  DIRECTORS  OF  THE  HOX. 
EASTHNDIA  COMPANY. 

HONOURABLE  SIRS, 

MY  former  letter  to  your  Honourable  Court 
of  the  25th  May,  having  been  hastily  called  for, 
I had  not  time  to  notice  a certain  part  of  Mr, 
Buller’s  letter  so  fully  as  the  occasion  demand- 


34 


LETTER  II. 


ed,  I therefore  now  beg  permission  to  address 
your  Honourable  Court  a second  time. 

1.  The  subject  to  which  1 would  now  beg 
leave  to  direct  the  attention  of  j our  Honourable 
Court,  is  the  attempt  made  by  Mr.  Buller  to 
extenuate  the  impure  character  of  the  Hindoo 
worsliip.  He  acknowledges  that  indecent  em- 
blems are  sculptured  on  the  temple  of  Jugger- 
naut, and  that  he  has  seen  tliein ; but  he  adds 
they  are  merely  w hat  may  be  seen  “ in  repre- 
sentations of  ancient  sculpture.”  This  is  true  ; 
tliey  are  of  the  same  character  w ith  those  which 
ornamented  the  temple  of  the  obscene  god  at 
Rome.  Mr,  Buller  has  also,  without  doubt, 
seen  the  painted  and  engraved  emblems  on  the 
cars  of  Juggernaut  in  Bengal.  It  is  proper  to 
observe,  that  in  some  places  the  Rutt,  or  chariot 
of  the  idol,  as  well  as  his  temple,  is  covered 
with  characteristic  devices.  At  Ishera,  about 
eight  miles  from  Calcutta,  the  chariot  of  Jug- 
gernaut is  freshly  painted  previously  to  the  an- 
nual Rutt  Jattra  ; and  the  figures  (which  ex- 
ceed all  conception  for  variety  of  obscenity,) 
become  the  objects  of  sensual  gaze  to  persons  of 
both  sexes.  It  is  thought  necessarj*  that  the 
god  should  have  his  appropriate  insignia,  be- 
fore he  sets  out  on  his  progress.  No  classical 
scholar  can  witness  these  representations  with- 
out being  reminded  of  the  Phallic  ceremonies. 
Now,  if  any  man  were  to  assert  that,  after  such 
preparation  and  with  such  accompaniment, 
there  w as  yet  no  impropriety  in  word  or  action 
manifested  in  the  subsequent  procession,  and  by 
a people  too  wlio  worship  the  Phallus,  could 
we  believe  him  ? For,  in  endeavouring  to  elicH 


LETTER  II. 


33 


the  truth  on  the  subject  in  qnestioUj  which  Mr. 
Buller  has  agitated,  and  to  which  he  has  drawn 
the  attention  of  your  Honourable  Court  and  the 
Imperial  Parliament,  we  ought  not  to  forget 
(and  the  whole  nation  ought  at  the  present  lime 
to  keep  it  in  mind,)  “ That  the  mass,  of  the 
Hindoo  people  worship  an  indecent  emblem.”  * 
Some  sects  have  an  allusion  to  it  in  the  marks 
of  cast  painted  on  their  foreheads.  Some  pa- 
godas assume  an  analogous  shape.*  In  sacred 
groves,  and  in  the  temples  of  Maha-deva  (the 
great  god)  the  significant  Lingam  presents  it- 
self conspicuously  to  view.  It  is  the  daily, 
emphatical,  primeval,  and  almost  universal 
worship  of  the  Hindoo  people.  For  the  truth 
of  this  fact  I refer  your  Honourable  Court  to 
every  civil  and  military  officer  in  your  service 
who  has  passed  through  Kindostan ; and  to 
every  historian  of  the  customs  and  superstition 
of  the  Hindoos  that  can  be  produced. 

2.  The  Rutt  Jattra  bears  some  analogy  to 
the  ancient  feasts  of  Bacchus.  Learned  men 
entertain  no  doubt  of  the  fact.  “ The  w orship 
of  Bacchus  w as  the  same  as  that  which  is  paid 
to  Siva.  It  had  the  same  ohsceuities,  the  same 
bloody  rites,  and  the  same  emblem  of  the  gene- 
rative power.”!  An  author  well  versed  in  the 
mythology  of  the  South  of  India,  expressly  calls 
the  Rutt  at  the  temple  of  Ramisseram  the 
car  of  Bacchus.”!  The  temple  of  Ramisseram 

* Paolino,  p.  579. 

t Asiatic  Researches,  Vol.  viii.  p.  50. 

t “ The  triumphal  cars,  employed  to  cany  about  the 
mages  of  their  gods  on  days  yf  solemnity,  are  also  of 


36 


LETTER  II, 


is  also  \vititln  (he  territories  of  (he  East  India 
Company,  and  is  nearly  as  famous  in  the  South, 
as  Juggernaut  is  in  (he  Aorth,  of  India.  A 
particular  account  of  (he  scenes  exhibited  at 
the  Rutt  Jattra  of  that  place,  may,  1 under- 
stand, be  soon  expected.  In  the  mean  time  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cordiner’s  narrative  may  suffice. 
That  gentleman  describes  tlie  “ Swamy  Coacli- 
es”  or  Rutts  at  Ramisseram,  which  place  he 
visited  in  1804,  in  the  following  terms:  “The 
outside  is  covered  with  an  extraordinary  assem- 
blage of  obscene  images  representing  lewd  and 
indecent  scenes  too  scandalous  in  the  eyes  of 
an  European  to  admit  of  a description.  Each 
carriage  has  four  wheels  of  solid  wood,  and  re- 
quires two  hundred  men  to  draw  it.  AVheu 
they  are  dragged  along  the  strc-jts,  on  occasions 
of  great  solemnity,  women,  in  the  phrenzy  of 
false  devotion,  throw  themselves  down  before  the 

beautTful  workmanship.  Some  of  tl'.ese  cars  cost  from 
20  to  30,000  rupees.  Of  this  kind  is  the  car  of  Bacchus, 
in  tlie'temple  Ramanacoil  (or  Ramisseram)  on  the  boun- 
daries of  tlie  Kingdom  of  Marava.  There  are  others  cf 
like  kind  also  at  Tiruvancoda,  Cangi-piu’i  and  J.  - 
garnat.”— Poo/mo,  p.  390. 

“ Besides  tlicse  grand  festivals,  there  are  several 
others  ; such  as  the  Shiva-ratri  or  the  Night  of  Shiva  ; 
on  which  the  Phallophoria  ceremonies  that  relate  to  the 
worship  of  the  Lingam  are  celebrated.  On  this  occa- 
sion  all  the  inhabitants  of  botli  sexes  hasten  in  great 
numbers  to  the  temple  of  Shiva  or  Maha-deva  ; remain 
there  tl»e  whole  night;  sing  all  sorts  of  indecent  songs 
in  honor  of  the  Lingam  ; go  a hundred  times  in  solemn 
procession  around  the  temple  or  around  a tree,  under 
which  a Lingam  is  placed  ; and  carry  about  with  them, 
at  the  same  time,  a wooden  representation  of  the  Lin- 
gum  amidst  dancing  and  singing.” — FaoUno,  p.  361. 


LETTER  II. 


37 


wheels,  and  are  crushed  to  death  by  their  tre- 
mendous weight,  the  same  superstitious  mad- 
ness preventing  the  igimraut  crowd  from  mak- 
ing any  attempt  to  save  tiiem.” — Cordiner's 
History  of  Ceylon^  vol.  ii.  ji.  16. 

3.  It  ought  further  to  be  observed,  that  the 
Phallic  worship  includes  the  Hindoo  Triad, 
Brahma,  Vishnoo,  and  Sheva.  The  pedestal 
is  the  type  of  Brahma,  the  Yoni  that  of  Vish- 
noo, and  the  Lingam  or  Phallus  that  of  Sheva.* 
And  so  peculiar  are  the  effects  of  this  impure 
worship  on  the  minds  of  the  Hindoos,  that  they 
are  disposed  to  symbolize  the  objects  of  nature 
in  a manner  analogous  to  it.  If  a man  digs  a 
pond,  he  considers  it  as  a Yoni,  or  emblem  of 
female  nature,  and  he  consecrates  it  by  fixing 
in  it  a mast  decorated  with  a chaplet  of  flowers. 
The  sea,  or  w ell  or  cave,  conveys  a similar 
type.  A mountain,  obelisk,  or  any  thing  coni- 
cal, excites  the  idea  of  the  Lingam. t Thus,  in 
like  manner  as  Christians  spiritualize  natural 
scenes  for  an  edifying  purpose,  the  Hindoos 
sensualize  the  objects  of  nature. 

4.  It  seem  worth  while  to  consider  what  was 
the  ultimate  object  of  Mr.  Buller,  in  addressing 
your  Honourable  Court,  and  through  you  the 
Council  of  the  Nation,  on  the  rites  of  Jugger- 
naut. It  could  not  be  merely  to  describe  more 
accurately  the  circumstances  of  a Hindoo  festi- 
val ; or,  to  ofler  an  opinion  respecting  the  sculp- 
tures on  the  temple,  for  the  satisfaction  of  the 
antiquary.  Had  these  been  his  objects,  I should 

* Sonnerat,  vol.  i.  p.  179.  ^ 

j-  Moor’s  Hindu  Pantheon,  p.  379; 

4 


3S 


LETTLK  ir. 


Tiot  have  been  disposed  to  notice  them.  I’ut 
Ins  purpose  seems  to  me  to  have  been,  to  excul- 
pate the  Hindoo  worship  from  the  cliarge  of 
blood  and  impurity,  in  order  that  our  Christian 
nation  might  feel  itself  justified  in  leaving  the 
Hindoo  people  as  they  are — involved  in  a bane- 
ful superstition. 

5.  In  regard  to  the  charge  of  blood,  the  sev- 
enty intmoiations  of  females  in  Bengal  in  the 
months  of  May  and  June  last,  just  brought  be- 
fore the  public,  will  be  a sutiicient  answer.^ 
The  same  proportion  of  human  life  is  supposed 
to  be  devoted  tn  destruction  in  the  same  way 
every  current  month.  This  is  a horrid  and 
painful  recital  to  the  feelings  of  the  nations  ! 
The  cry  of  such  blood,  arising  from  a country 
placed  under  a Christian  administration,  cannot 
fail  to  enter  the  ears  of  the -Lord  of  Sabbaolh. 

6.  As  to  the  impurity  of  the  Hindoo  worship, 
all  the  argumejit  of  Mr.  Duller  in  extenuation  of 
it  is,  (without  referring  at  present  to  its  obvi- 
ous principle,)  that  when  he  happened  to  be  at 
Juggernaut,  he  did  ndt  sec  any  thing  improper 
in  the  scene.  He  admits,  indeed,  that  he  might 
have* heard  the  Cubbee,\vd(\  he  been  near  enough. 
But  of  what  consequence  is  it  whether  there  be 
a cessation  of  indecency  at  times  before  Euro- 
peans at  Juggernaut  or  not  If  there  were 
even  a complete  cessation,  what,  I would  ask, 
is  the  occasional  exhibition  of  indecency  at  a 
public  festival,  compared  to  the  common,  con- 
stant, characteristic  impure  worship  of  the 
people  Is  Mr.  Buller  prepared  to  inform  ns. 


See  Apf  endix,  No.  IX 


LETTER  II. 


39 


that  the  worship  of  the  Lingam  has  ceased  ? 
or  that  it  has  been  diniiiiislied  in  his  time  ? or 
that  he  indah^es  the  smallest  hope  that  it  ever 
will  be  (limiiiished  ? NVhy  then  need  he  be  at 
pains  to  make  the  Hindoos  appear  a chaste  and 
deeorotis  people  in  the  eyes  of  the  Engiish,  when 
iiis  own  eyes  must  have  witnessed  their  impure 
worship  times  without  number  ? 

7.  Every  man  who  has  studied  the  genius  of 
the  Hindoo  superstition,  knows  that  the  con- 
templation of  indecent  emblems,  frbni  early 
youth,  is  a fountain  of  licentiousness  to  the 
people.  The  prostitution  of  the  heart  to  sen» 
suai  images  in  the  daily  worship,  is  the  deej). 
copious,  prolific  source  of  general  impurity  of 
heart,  and  iiideceney  of  speech  and  action. — 
With  siTch  an  ordinance  of  worship  preseribcul 
from  infancy,  can  we  believe  it  possible  that  any 
people  should  consider  Jaciviousness  as  a sin 
against  God  ? They  might  indeed  consider  it 
as  a sin  against  public  reputation,  and  against 
political  principle  ; for  the  policy  of  the  rudest 
nations  will  restrain  community  ^of  vice.  But 
that  the  Hindoos  in  general  account  lascivious- 
ness a sin  against  God,  is  what  I think  the 
boldest  advocate  for  their  religion  will  not  ven- 
ture to  affirm  * 

* It  iiJ' probable  that  the  idea  of  obscenity  was  not 
originally  attached  to  these  syrnbals  ; and  it  is  likely 
that  the  inventors  themselves  might  not  have  ibreseea 
the  disorders  whicli  this  worship  would  occasion 
mongst  mankind.  FioPiigacy  easily  embraces  wliat 
flatters  its  propensitie.s,  and  ignorance  follows  blindly 
wiierever  example  excites.  It  is  therefore  no  wonder 
that  a geuerai  cc^ruption  of  manners  should  ensue,  in- 


40 


letter  II. 


8.  Let  our  Christian  nation  tlien  behold  the 
greater  part  of  the  Hindoo  people,  a hundred 
million,  at  least,  of  our  fellow-cratures,  falling 
prostrate  before  a black  stone,  and  that  black 
stone  afti  indecent  emblem  ! Let  us  imagine  the 
females  decorating  it,  according  to  their  con- 
stant custom,  with  flowers  ! Let  us  contem- 
plate the  probable  effects,  (without  any  specific 
relation)  of  such  a worship  on  the  general  mo- 
rals of  the  people;  and  then  let  us  deny  to  In- 
dia the  instruction  of  Christianity,  if  we  can. 

9.  One  argument  urged  sometimes  by  the 
European  defenders  of  the  Phallic  worship  is, 
Thai  young  persons  do  not  understand  the  em- 
blems. as  they  are  not  exhibited  entirely  in  the 
natural  form.  But  where  is  the  sense  of  sup- 
posing a person  worshipping  emblems  which 
lie  does  not  understand.^  One  should  think, 
that  the  very  first  business  of  the  Brahmins 
w ould  be  to  make  the  pubescent  youth  under- 
stand them.  Besides,  is  it  not  admitted  that 
the  people  pronounce  at  their  festivals  certain 
licenlioiis  songs,  which  must  soon  explain  the 

supposed  mysteries  ; admired  and  familiar 

songs  consecrated  by  religion  and  ancient  use  ? 
Ancient  they  doubtless  are,  and  bear  a strict 
analogy  to  the  Phalliea  Asmata,  the  Phallie 
songs  of  Greece  and  Egypt. 

creasing  in  proportion  as  the  distance  of  time  involved 
the  original  meaning  of  tlie  symbal  in  darkness  and  ob- 
livion. Obscene  mirth  became  the  principal  feature  of 
llie  popular  superstition,  and  was  even,  in  after  times, 
extended  to  and  intermingled  with  gloomy  rites  and 
bloody  sacrifices.’^ — Asiat.  Res.  val.  viii.  p.  55.  ^ 


LETTER  II. 


4t 


10.  But  the  grand  apology  of  certain  philoso- 
phers for  the  worship  of  the  Lingam  and  its 
companion,  has  been,  that  they  are  merely 
symbols  of  the  procreative  power  of  the  Deity; 
and  therefore  that  the  worshippers  may  have 
very  sublime  conceptions,  and  cherish  very  pure 
thoughts,  notwithstanding  the  presence  of  such 
objects.  I do  not,  however,  believe  that  there 
exists  a philosopher  among  us,  who  will  now 
seriously  avow  and  defend  the  proposition,  That 
the  constant  exhibition  of  sensual  images  will 
not  taint  the  purity  of  the  youthful  mind.* 
tl.  The  only  object  whicli  1 can  conceive  Mr. 
Buller  to  have  had  in  writing  the  letter  which 
has  been  laid  before  Parliament,  is  that  of  in- 
sinuating that  the  Hindoos  are  not  imbued  by 
such  impure  principles  as  has  been  asserted, 
and  that  therefore  it  need  give  us  no  pain  to 
see  them  remain  as  they  are.  It  becomes  neces- 
sary, t]%erefore,  on  the  other  hand,  to  assert 
the  truth ; and  (however  painful  it  must  be  to 
the  pure  mind)  to  reveal  tlie  whole  scene  of 
the  polluted  worship  of  Brahma,  in  its  priuci- 

* The  Sacte  of  Siva,  whose  emblem  is  the  Phallus, 
is  lierself  typified  by  the  female  org’au.  This  tlie 
Sactas  worship  ; some  figuratively — others  litekally.’* 
lu  this  last  mentioned  sect  “ (die  Sactas)  as  in  most 
otiiers,  there  is  a right-handed  and  decent  path,  and  a 
left-handed  and  indecent  mode  of  worship  ; but  the  in- 
decent worship  of  this  sect  is  most  grossly  so,  and  con- 
sists of  unbridled  debauchery  with  wine  and  women/’ 
“ 'rhey  require  their  wives  to  be  naked  when  attending* 
them  at  their  devotions.” — See  JNIr.  Colebrock  on  t!ie 
Religious  Ceremonies  of  the  Hindoos.  As.  lies. 
pp.  2db,  281. 

4* 


42 


LETTER  II. 


pie,  essence,  origin,  and  practice.  Let  us  only 
suppose  (to  bring  this  matter  home  to  our  feel- 
ings,) that  the  youth  of  both  sexes  in  Great 
Biitaiii  were  brought  to  the  temple,  and  in- 
structed to  worship  indecent  symbols;  and  what 
must  be  the  effect  on  their  moral  habits!  Is 
it  then  t > be-  regarded  as  either  decent  or  hu- 
mane to  labour  to  perpetuate  this  unseemly 
worsiiip  of  our  fellow-subjects  in  India  by  ex- 
cluding true  religion;  or  to  endeavour  to  ex- 
tenuate its  moral  turpitude  in  the  face  of  a 
nation  professing  the  pure  religion  of  Jesus 
Christ  r 

13.  Mr.  Buller  Jjas  told  us,  that  he  saw  ob- 
scene sculptures  on  the  walls  of  Juggernaut; 
but  has  not  told  us  what  he  heard  of  the  scenes 
within.  Had  he  wished  to  give  the  English 
nation  a just  idea  of  the  worship  of  Brahma, 
there  are  two  circumstances  of  a fundamental 
character  in  relation  to  that  ^t  orship,  which  he 
would  no  doubt  have  mentioned  in  the  outset, 
viz. 

First,  The  hand  of  courtesans  retained  for 
the  service  of  the  temple.  These  form  a part 
of  the  religious  procession  in  the  public  streets 
on  certain  days,  and  are  kept  in  every  great 
temple  of  Hindostan.  From  infancy  they  are 
prepared  by  education  and  elegant  accomplish-* 
ments  for  public  seduction.  Now,  these  priest- 
esses form  the  character  of  the  worship,  “ be- 
ing consecrated,”  says  Sonnerat,  “ to  the  hon- 
our of  the  gods.”  They  are  the  ministers  of 
the  idol,  and  it  is  a part  of  their  service  “ to 
.sing  hymns  to  his  praise.”  Is  Mr.  Buller  then 
prepared  to  inform  us  that  this  character  of  the 


LETTER  ir. 


45 


AVorsliip  is  abolished,  and  that  the  courtesans 
at  Juggernaut  do  not  receive  the  accustomed 
stipend  presented,  with  other  charges,  for  the 
sanction  of  the  English  Government  ? He  knows 
that  we  might  as  well  attempt  to  raze  the  tower 
of  Juggernaut  from  its  foundations  as  attempt 
to  remove  this  constituent  part  of  the  Brahmini- 
cal-  ritual.  And  thus  it  is  throughout  the  ex- 
tensive regions  of  the  Hindoo  idolatry — the 
ministration  of  the  priestesses  being  a natural 
fruit  of  the  worship  of  the  Lingam.  Does  not 
this  admitted  fact  alone  set  the  question  at  rest 
respecting  the  character  of  the  worship  in  ques- 
tion ? In  regard,  however,  to  its  moral  effects ; 
for  that,  after  all,  is  the  main  object  to  be  con- 
sidered : let  us  only  suppose  that  the  youth  of 
Great  Britain,  of  both  sexes,  were  accustomed 
to  worship  at  the  altar  in  company  with  a band 
of  impure  females,  invested  with  a sacred  cha- 
racter, and  then  to  witness  the  songs  and  dances 
of  those  females  in  the  same  place,  and  what 
would  be  the  character  of  the  people  of  this 
country  in  a few  years  } 

Second  : In  my  printed  account  of  the  trans- 
actions at  Juggernaut,  I wished  to  state  merely 
wdiat  I myself  saw  ; and  therefore,  as  I was  not 
within  the  temple,  I have  not  thought  fit  to 
mention  what  I heard.  But  Mr.  Buller  having 
resided  for  some  time  at  the  place,  and  having 
held  while  there  a high  official  station,  must 
have  had  various  opportunities  of  obtaining 
satisfactory  information  as  to  the  character  of 
the  scenes  within  the  temple,  particularly  at 
certain  festivals;  and  under  such  circumstances 
he  might  have  stated  what  he  had  .heard  to  the 


44- 


letter  II. 


public  with  perfect  confidence.  Is  all  then,  ac- 
cording to  jVlr.  Biillei  's  information  and  belief, 
pure,  is  all  decorous,  within  the  temple  ? And, 
if  it  be  not,  what  signifies  it  whether,  at  certain 
festivals,  the  ministering  priest  used  unseemly 
attitudes  in  the  presence  of  the  European  super- 
intendant  or  not  ? If  there  actually  be  impurity 
‘‘within,”  in  the  sacred  place — in  the  recess  of 
sanctity — how  can  a vindication  of  Jugger- 
naut remove  this  corner-stone  from  Brahma’s 
temple  }* 

* That  the  worship  of  Brahma  is  constitutionally 
impure,  is  demonstrated  by  the  following-  fact.  There 
ai'e  temples  of  consecration  for  a life  of  impurity  ; these 
exist  at  Cambaya,  Tivikarey,  and  other  places,  in  Hin- 
dostan.  Tavernier  first,  1 believe,  among-  Protestant 
authors,  (he  was  a French  Protestant  merchant,)  men- 
tioned the  existence  of  the  system.  “ From  Cambaya,** 
says  he,  “ you  go  to  a little  village  diii  ant  some  three 
coss,  where  there  is  a pagnd,  to  which  all  the  Indian 
courtisans  come  to  make  their  ofTerings.  This  pagod 
is  full  of  a great  inimber  of  naked  images.  Among  the 
rest,  there  is  a large  figure  of  one  that  seems  to  resem- 
ble Apollo,  with  Ids  parts  all  uncovered.” — Girls  of 
eleven  or  twelve  years  old,  who  have  been  bought  and 
educated  for  the  purpose,  are  sent  by  their  mistresses 
to  this  pagod,  “ to  offer  and  surrender  themselves  up 
to  this  idol.” — [Tavernier’s  Travels  in  India,  p.  57,  fol. 
ed.  1678.]  For  the  import  of  this  last  expression,  see 
Ar.quetil  du  Perron’s  description  of  the  pagoda  of  Tivi- 
kary,  and  of  the  rite  observed  by  “les  jeimcs  Brahmi- 
nes,”  in  his  Zeud  A vesta,  vol.  i.  p.  29. — From  these  tem- 
ples of  coiisecration,  issue  females  for  the  other  pago- 
das and  for  the  general  Indian  public.  Thus  we  see 
that  there  exists  in  this  world  a superstition,  whose 
principle  is  “to  hallow  impurity.”  But  surely  Athe- 
ism itself  will  not  defend  a system  which  would  sarxti- 
i'y  the  act  of  wickedness  by  a soleiUiX  rite  of  religion. 


LETTER  II. 


45 


13.  I would  not  impute  a bad  motive  to  those 
Asiatic  gentlemen  who  maintain  a different 
opinion  from  me  on  these  subjects.  Much  al- 
lowance is  to  be  made  for  the  effects  of  an  im- 
perfect education  previously  to  leaving  Eng- 
land, and  for  the  constitutional  habits  which 
grow  upon  men  by  long  iutercourse  with  Indian 
scenes,  and  which,  in  some  instances,  have 
changed  the  very  principles  and  character ; 
but  1, apprehend,  that  those  who  labour  to  ex- 
tenuate the  atrocities  of  the  Hindoo  idolatry 
may^  be  justly  charged  with  two  most  serious 
delinquencies : — First',  by  defending  and  con- 
firming a sanguinary  and  obscene  superstition, 
they  are  in  effect  guilty  of  the  utmost  cruelty 
towards  whole  nations  of  men ; — and  secondly, 
they  are  guilty  4)f  a culpable  indifference  to 
the  truth  and  excellency  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion. 

I have  the  honour  to  be. 

Honourable  Sirs, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 

C.  BUCHANAN. 

Kirbv  Hall,  Borobridge, 

Sill  June,  18  i 3. 


Tavernier  was  at  Cambaya  about  1610.  Wliat  a vast 
and  extended  scene-  oF  turpitude,  amongst  our  feilow- 
creatores,  presents  itself  to  the  imagination  from  that 
time  to  tli’.s  ! Is  it  possible  that  any  man  whose  mind 
has  been  cultivated  under  the  infiut  r.ce  (in  the  least 
degree)  of  Cliristian  principles,  can  permit  himself  to 
sa}  of  such  a system,  Let  it  flourish  ■,  let  it  continue 
for  ages  ! 


LETTER  AND  ME3I0RIAL, 


TO 

LORD  MIXTO. 


LETTER. 

TO  THE  RIGHT  HONOURABLE  I.ORD  AllNTO, 

Lc.  &c.  &.C. 

51 Y LORD, 

I BEG  leave  respeclfuily  to  submit  to  your 
Lordsliip  some  particulars  regarding  the  pres- 
ent state  of  tile  Christian  Religion  in  Bengal, 
^’ihich  I have  thought  it  my  duty  to  eommmii- 
cate  for  your  Lordsliip's  information  at  this 
time. 

I trust  your  Tiordship  will  do  me  the  jtistiee 
to  believe  that  it  is  with  the  utmost  reluetanee 
1 trouble  your  Lordsliip  vvilli  a letter  on  sueli  a 
suiijeet  so  soon  after  your  entrance  on  this 
government,  when  as  yet  few’,  if  any,  of  tlie 
circumstances  noticed  in  it  caji  have  come  to 
your  Lordship’s  knowledge. 


47 


I have  Tio  other  view  in  soliciting  your  Lord- 
sliip’s  attention  to  them,  but  tlie  advancement 
of  learning  and  religion.  Perhaps  no  one  has 
addressed  your  Lordship  on  the  subject  since 
your  arrival ; and  there  are  certainly  many 
particulars  regarding  their  present  state,  which 
it  is  of  importance  your  Lojdship  should  know. 

Being  about  to  leave  India,  1 feared  lest  1 
should  hereafter  reproach  myself,  if  I withheld 
any  thing  at  this  time  which  I conceived  might 
he  useful,  particularly  as  I have  been  further 
•encouraged  to  address  your  Lordship,  by  your 
Lordship’s  known  condescension  in  receiving 
any  cominuiiications  which  are  honestly  in- 
tended. 

I have  the  honour  to  be,  my  Lord, 

Witli  much  respect, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

(Signed)  C.  BUCHANAN. 

Calcutta, 

9th  November,  1807. 


MEMORIAL. 

TO  THE  PJSHT  HON.  GILBERT,  LORD  MINTO, 
GOVERNOR-GENERAL,  &c.  &c,  &c. 

MY  LORD, 

1.  I HAD  the  honour  to  receive  a letter 
from  the  Chief  Secretary  to  the  Govern- 
nrent,  under  date  the  11th  September,  desiring 


48 


MEMORIAL. 


that  I would  submit,  for  the  inspection  of  Gov- 
ernment, the  inamiscript  of  some  Sermons  on 
the  Prophecies,  which  I intended  to  publish. 
1 shall  willingly  submit  these  discourses  to 
your  Lordship’s  perusal,  and  shall  be  liappy 
to  receive  such  observations  on  them  as  your 
Lordship’s  learning  and  candour  may  suggest ; 
hut  1 cannot  submit  them  to  the  judgment  of 
the  Officers  of  the  Government.  My  reasons 
for  declining  to  comply  with  the  wishes  of 
Government  in  this  respect,  it  is  incumbent  on 
me  to  state ; and  I feel  confident  your  Lord- 
ship  will  consider  them  to  be  satisfactory. 

2.  It  will  not  have  escaped  your  Lordship's 
observation,  even  in  the  short  period  since  your 
arrival,  that  some  of  the  officer’s  of  your  Lord- 
ship’s government  do  not  manifest  any  zeal  for 
promoting  the  knowledge  of  the  Christian  Re- 
ligion in  India : they  consider,  that  a zeal  in 
this  respect  would  not  be  consonant  to  a wise 
and  prudent  policy*  1 am  willing  to  believe 
that  they  advise  according  to  the  best  of  their 
judgment;  but  a principle  pure  and  just  in  it- 
self, if  it  be  not  tenderly  exercised  in  reference 
to  other  important  obligations,  may  become  ex- 
travagant or  pernicious.  For  instance,  not  to 
promote  Christianity  may,  in  certain  circum- 
stances, be  prudent ; but  to  repress  Christianity 
will  not,  I think,  in  any  case,  be  defended.  It 
is  not  necessary  to  observe  to  your  Lordship 
how  much  the  minds  of  Europeans  assimilate 
to  the  native  character  after  a long  residence 
in  this  country,  and  bow  difficult  it  is  for  men, 
even  of  good  sense  and  honest  intentions,  while 
involved  in  the  mist  of  this  prejudice,  to  view' 
the  Christian  religion  in  the  true  light. 


MEMORIAL. 


4^ 


3.  During  the  administration  of  the  Marquis 
'Wellesley,  tlje  spirit  of  promoting  learning  and 
religion  in  India  was  general  and  ardent ; but 
after  the  departure  of  that  nobleman,  a great 
revolution  took  place.  A spirit,  directly  ad- 
verse to  the  diffusion  of  religion  in  India,  most 
unexpectedly  broke  forth,  just  as  if  it  had  been 
coniiued  by  liis  presence.  This  spii  it  appeared 
long  before  the  insurrection  in  Vellore.  I men- 
tion this,  lest  your  Lordship  should  suppose 
that  it  originated  with  that  event:  for  I under- 
stood that  the  Masscre  at  Vellore”  has  been 
unaccountably  adduced  as  some  sanction  to  the 
principle  of  opposing  the  progress  of  the  Chris- 
tian Religion  in  Bengal.  1 had  opportunities 
of  judging  of  the  causes  of  that  event,  which 
were  peculiar.  I was  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
place  at  the  time;  I travelled  for  two  months 
immediately  afterwards  in  the  provinces  adja- 
cent, with  tlie  sanction  of  Government ; and  I 
heard  the  evidence  of  Christians,  Mahometans, 
and  Hindoos,  on  the  subject.  I'hat  the  insur- 
rection at  Vellore  had  no  connectiGU  with  the 
Christian  Religion,*  directly  or  indirectly,  im- 
mediately or  remotely,  is  a truth  which  is  ca- 
pable of  demonstration. 

4.  The  spirit  so  hostile  to  the  progress  of 
Christianity  in  India,  appeared  first  in  cpera- 
liou  about  two  years  ago,  and  has  been  acquir- 
ing strength  ever  since.  It  has  exhibited  itself 
in  a series  of  acts,  the  recital  of  which  will  suf- 
ficiently illustrate  to  your  Lordship  the  temper 
of  mind  which  produced  them.  These  acts  are, 
however,-  not  to  he  considered  as  the  official 
and  acknowledged  measures  of  the  respectable 


MEMORIAL. 


SO 

person,  who  preceded  your  Lordship  in  tlie 
governii>ciit.  Sir  George  Barlow  has  often 
expressed  liis  approbation  of  the  means  used  for 
the  diftusion  of  Christianity  in  India,  and  he 
sincerely  desires  its  success.  These  measures 
have  not  been  generally  considered  as  the  oft- 
spring  of  his  unbiassed  judgment.  Besides, 
most  of  the.m  are  extra  official,  and  with  some 
of  them  he  is  perhaps  yet  unacquainted.  They 
will  probably  appear  to  your  Lordship  to  have 
been  dictated  by  a timorous  policy,  proceeding 
from  minds  somewhat  agitated  by  the  responsi- 
bility of  a weighty  empire,  viewing  at  the  same 
time  Christianity  as  an  innovation  in  India, 
and  magnifying  that  innovation,  perhaps,  into 
a revohjtion.  The  acts  which  have  plainly 
manifested  this  alarm  are  many.  It  will  suf- 
fice to  notice  to  yoUr  Lordship  the  four  follow- 

5.  First.  The  withdrawing  the  patronage  of 
Government  from  the  translation  of  the  Holy- 
Scriptures  into  tlie  Oriental  Tongues. 

The  translation  of  the  Scriptures  had  com- 
menced in  the  College  of  Fort  William,  at  the 
expense  of  Government.  When  ilje  Honoura- 
ble the  Court  of  Directors  directed  a reduction 
of  the  expenses  of  that  institution,  it  was  re- 
solved to  make  provision  for  the  continuation 
of  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  hy  piihlie 
subscription,  and  to  exonerate  tlie  Government 
entirely.  It  was  accordingly  proposed  that  a 
Committee  of  the  College  and  of  others  should 
superintend  the  translations,  and  controul  the 
expenditure.  This  measure  had  been  recom- 
mended hy  certain  of  the  bishops  and  by  some 


MEMORIAL. 


51 


noble  persons  in  England,  who  wished  to  aid 
us  in  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures ; and  the 
couutenaiiee  of  the  C(dlege  was  merely  desired, 
with  the  view  that  the  important  work  might 
be  conducted  strictly  in  the  principles  of  the 
national  church,  and  not  fall  entirely  into  the 
hands  of  dissenters,  as  it  has  since  done.  Your 
Lordship  will  be  surprised  to  hear  that  this 
proposition  was  rejected.  Government  with- 
drew^ its  patronage  from  tl»e  work  entirely,  and 
even  refused  to  give  its  countenance  to  the  sub- 
scription. The  immediate  consequences  of  this 
unexpected  blow'  was  the  loss  of  ample  funds  ; 
for  there  appeared  at  the  time,  throughout  all 
India,  a disposition  to  encourage  a literary  un- 
dertaki  ig  which  was  deemed  so  honourable  to 
the  nation.  . 

Considering  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  fit  in- 
struments I'or  the  conduct  of  such  a work,  tiie 
religious  and  moral  importance  of  the  work  it- 
self, and  its  advantages  to  the  general  interests 
of  Oriental  Literature,  your  Lordship  w ill  be- 
lieve, that  this  forfeiture  of  public  encourage- 
ment, under  such  auspicious  circumstances,  has 
ever  been  viewed  with  regret  by  the  friends  of 
learning  and  of  religion  in  Europe  and  in  India. 

This  disappointment,  however,  has  had  one 
favourable  result;  it  aecelerated  the  establish- 
ment of  “ the  Cliristian  Institution  in  the 
East,”*  which  carries  the  translation  of  the 

* Early  in  1806,  in  the  view  of  tlie  Translations  of 
the  Scriptures  ceasing  in  the  College  of  Fo- 1 '‘.V’illiam, 
Dr.  Buelianan  resolved  to  devote  wliatever  inf*  lencehe 
posi»es§ed  in  his  official  character  as  Vice-Provost  ot 


52 


MEMORIAL. 


Scriptures,  in  some  of  the  lani^Jia^es,  into  re- 
gions far  beyond  the  coiitroui  of  the  Bengal 
Government. 

the  Collejre,  to  the  aid  of  the  Translations  in  the  hands 
of  the  Baptist  Missionaries,  and  to  endeavour  to  excite 
as  nuich  of  ])ublic  interest  in  their  favour  as  possible, 
t'or  litis  purpose  he  drew  up  “ Proposals  for  a Subscrip- 
tion for  translating-  the  Holy  Scriptures  into  the  follow- 
ing- Oriental  Languag-es  : Shanucrit,  Bengalee^  Hhuloos- 
ianre,  Persian,  Jfaliratta,  Gnzerattee,  Orissa,  Carnata, 
Tetinga,  Bnrmah,  Assimi,  Bootan,  Tibet,  JMalay  and 
Chinese  — containing-  a prospectus  of  Indian  versions, 
and  obsc-rt  ations  on  the  practicability  of  the  general 
<lvsign  : signed  b_v  the  nine  Baptist  Missionaries,  and 
dated  “Mission-House,  Seranipore,  March,  1806.” — 
That  paper  was  composed  entirely  by  Dr.  Buclianan, 
part  of  it  from  materials  furnished  by  the  Mir.'ionaries. 
But  as  it  was  apprehended  the  name  “ Baptist”  might 
not  be  auspicious  to'  tiie  design,  in  the  general  view  of 
the  public,  Dr.  Buchanan  did  not  admit  that  word,  but 
designated  them  “ Protestant  Missionaries  in  Bengal;” 
as  it  stands  in  the  proposals.  Copies  >vere  distributed 
liberally  in  India  and  in  England.  To  some  of  tlio.se 
distributed  in  England  w'as  prefixed  a frontispiece  re- 
presenting a Hindoo  receiving  the  Bible,  and  “ bending 
to  die  Christian  Faith.”  Copies  were  transmitted  to 
almost  the  whole  of  the  principal  civil  officers,  and  to 
many  of  the  military  officers  in  the  Honorable  Compa- 
m ’s  service  throughout  Hindustan,  from  Delhi  to  Tra- 
vancore  ; many  of  whom  had  never  heard  of  the  Scram- 
pore  Mission  before.  Dr.  Buchanan  obtained  permis- 
, sion,  at  the  same  tunc,  to  send  the  propo.sals,  in  his  of- 
ficii, i cliaractci-  as  Vicc-Provost  of  the  College,  free  of 
expence,  to  ail  parts  of  the  empire  ; and  he  accompa- 
nied ilK-m,  in  most  instances,  with  a letter  from  him- 
.seif  The  design  received  encouragement  from  eve- 
ry cpiai-ter;  and  a sum  of  about  1600  ])ounds  was 
soon  raised  for  the  translations  ; to  whicii  llie  late  Uev. 
David  Blown  contributed  250  pounds. 

d'be  concurrence  of  the  public  w'as  tlie  more  ca.slly 
obtained  from  its  being  implied  in  the  propo.sals  that 


^lEMORIAL. 


03 


6.  Second.  Attempting  to  suppress  thje  trans- 
lation of  the  Scriptures. 

the  undertaking  would  enjoy  the  countenance  of  the 
College.  That  expectation  was  expressed  in  the  fol- 
lowing terms  : 

“ Par.  11.  Our  hope  of  success  in  this  great  under- 
taking depends  chiefly  on  tl\e  patronage  of  the  College 
of  Fort  William.  To  that  institution  we  are  much  in- 
debted for  the  progress  we  have  already  made.  Orien- 
tal translation  has  become  comparatively  easy,  in  con- 
sequence of  our  having  the  aid  of  those  learned  men 
from  distant  provinces  in  Asia,  who  have  assembled, 
during  the  period  of  the  last  six  years,  at  that  great 
eraporium  of  Eastern  Letters.  These  intelligent  stran- 
gers voluntarily  engage  with  us  in  translating  the  Scrip- 
tures into  their  respective  languages  ; and  they  do  not 
conceal  their  admiration  of  the  sublime  doctrine,  pure 
precept,  and  Divine  eloquence  of  the  word  of  God. 
The  plan  of  .these  translations  was  sanctioned  at  an  ear- 
ly period  by  the  Most  Noble  the  Marquis  Wellesley, 
the  great  patron  of  useful  learning.  To  give  the  Chris- 
tian Scriptures  to  tlie  inhabitants  of  Asia  is  indeed  a 
work  which  every  man,  who  believes  these  Scriptures 
to  be  from  God,  will  approve.  In  Hindostan  alone, 
there  is  a great  variety  of  religions  ; and  there  are  some 
tribes  which  have  no  certain  cast  or  religion  at  all.  To 
render  the  revealed  religion  accessible  to  men  who ‘de- 
sire’ it;  to  open  its  eternal  sanctions,  and  display  its 
pure  morals  to  those  who  ‘ seek  a religion’  ; is  to  fulfil 
the  sacred  duty  of  a Christian  people,  and  accords  well 
witli  the  humane  & generous  spirit  of  theEnglish  nation. 

“ 12.  It  may  also  be  expected,  that  the  design  will 
be  generally  encouraged,  on  the  ground  of  its  promoting 
the  diffusion  of  Oriental  Literature,  and  affording  new 
facilities  to  Europeans  in  obtaining  a knowledge  of  the 
various  languages  of  this  great  empire.  With  every 
t ranslution  of  tlie  Scriptures  into  a new  language,  it  is 
intended  to  give  a grammar  of  that  language,  if  none 
already  exist. 

“ 1).  A copv  of  these  Proposals  has  been  forwarded 
to  llie  British  Ambassador  at  Petersburg,  with  a re- 
5* 


MEMORIAL. 


Qi 

An  attempt  was  next  made  to  suppress  the 
translation  of  the  Scriptures  entirely,  and  this' 
attempt  had  almost  succeeded. 

quest  that  he  would  submit  them  to  his  Majesty  the 
Emperor  of  all  the  Russias ; some  of  the  limgua^s 
above  mentioned  being  spoken  in  regions  bordering  on 
the  territories  of  his  Majesty.” 

Although  the  Government  of  Bengal  withdrew  its 
patronage,  most  of  the  individuals  in  every  part  of  In- 
dia whose  support  was  then  secured,  being  satisfied 
that  the  simple  translation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  mast 
ever  be  a measure  utterly  devoid  of  objection,  liave  con- 
tinued suady  friends  to  the  undertaking  to  this  day. 

Afterwards,  when  Hr.  Buchanan  visited  the  soutliern 
regions  of  India,  and  had  witnessed  the  triumpli  of 
Christianity  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  horrors  of  Pagan- 
ism on  the  other,  he  conceived  the  design  of  an  institu- 
tion of  a moi*e  general  nature  for  Oriental  Illumination, 
than  that  confined  to  Bengal.  [See  his  meditation  on 
the  banks  of  the  Chilka  Luke,  on  a Sunday  morning,  in 
view  of  the  tower  of  Juggernaut. — ^Chris.  Res.  p.  142.] 
And  on  his  return  to  Calcutta  in  the  following  year,  he 
proposed  to  the  Baptist  Mission,  that  the  dificrent  so- 
cieties and  individuals  in  India,  engaged  in  translatiRg 
the  Scriptures,  should  associate  (merely  in  that  cha- 
racter) under  the  name  of  “ The  Christian  Institution 
in  the  East,”  or  the  “British  Propaganda;”  in  order 
that  their  operations  might  have  the  appearance  of  be- 
ing natlomil  and  not  sectarian  ; and  tliat  thus  they 
miglit  be  able  to  vie  with  the  “ Romish  Propaganda,” 
whose  fame  is  yet  alive  in  Asia.  It  was  ])i  oposed  that 
the  Missionary  pursuits,  properly  so  called,  and  the' 
individual  esiablisiiments  of  each  society  slioukl  remain 
peculiar  andjirivate  as  before  : but  that  the  transJatois 
of  the  Scriptures  should  act  in  concert,  and  maintain 
an  amicable  correspondence  with  each  other,  under  the 
general  superintenclance  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brown,  Pro- 
vost of  the  Colleg-e  of  Fort  M illiara,  who  had  foraierh , 
in  discharge  of  his  office  as  Provost,  superintenced  Uie 
translations  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  College  ; anc  would 


MEMORIAL. 


55 


To  suppress  the  translation  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, is  to  suppress  the  Scriptures.  1 can 
make  no  further  observation  on  this,  in  addres- 
sing your  Lordship. 

now  continue  to  be  the  organ  of  communication  to  Go- 
vernment, and  be  responsible  for  the  views  and  proceed- 
ings of  the  general  society.  This  proposition  the  Bap- 
tist Society  declined ; and  in  consequence,  the  propos- 
ed name  of  “ Christian  Institution”  was  but  partially  as- 
sumed, Th%  other  branches,  nevertheless,  were  gene- 
rally associated ; and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brown  superintend- 
ed those  branches  of  the  department  of  Scriptural 
Translation,  as  they  came  successively  into  operation, 
to  the  day  of  his  death,  viz.  the  Rev.  Henry  Martyn  and 
his  co-adjutors  Sabat  and  Mirza  Fitrut,  translators  of 
the  Hindoostanee  and  Arabic^  at  Cawnpore ; Messrs, 
Cran  and  Desgranges,  translators  of  the  Telhiga,  at 
Visagapatam  ; Thomas  Jarrett,  Esq.  translator  of  the 
Sumatra  or  Western  JHalay,  at  Madras  ;*  the  Syrian 
Bishop  and  his  priests,  translators  of  the  Malay-alim, 
at  Travancore  ; Sebastiani,  translator  of  the  Persian,  at 
Calcutta;  and  Dr.  Leyden  of  the  College  of  Fort  Wil- 
liam, translator  of  the  Pushtu,  Jlfahliviau,  Baloch,  Ala- 
ccLssur,  and  Bugis  languages.  Mr.  Brown  also  opened 
a correspondence  with  Tanjore,  Tranquebar,  and  Co- 
lumbo,  concerning  editions  of  the  Scriptures  in  the 
Ti.:.aul  and  Cingalese. 

Exclusive  of  the  1600  pounds  above-mentioned  to 
have  been  subscribed  for  translations  by  the  Baptist 
Missionaries,  Dr.  Buchanan  had  put  down  his  name  for 
5000  rupees,  620  pounds  ; hut  after  his  return  from 
visiting  the  Christians  in  Travancore  and  other  places, 
he  withdrew  his  subscription  from  the  Northern  Mission 
which  was  now  well  patronised,  and  applied  it  to  simi- 
lar objects  in  the  South,  where  it  was  most  wanted. 

* Br.  Buchanan  does  not  know  whether  J\Ir.  Jarrett  con^ 
tinned  to  prosecute  the  translation  after  he  left  India. 


56 


MEMORIAL. 


7.  Tlilrd.  Suppressing  the  encomium  of  the 
Hon.  the  Court  of  Directors,  on  their  venera 
hie  missionary  the  Rev.  Mr.  Swartz. 

The  Honourable  Court  had  sent  out  to  Fort 
St.  George  a marble  monument,  to  be  erected 
in  the  church  of  St.  Mary,  to  the  memory  of 
Mr.  Swartz,  inscribed  with  a suitable  epitaph ; 
aiKl  they  announced  it,  in  their  general  letter, 
dated  29th  October  1806,  as  a testimony  of  the 
deep  sense  they  entertained  of  his  transcendant 
merit,  of  his  unweariid  labours  in  the  cause  of 
religion  and  piety,  and  of  his  public  services  at 
Tanjore,  where  the  influence  of  his  name  and 
character  was  for  a long  course  of  years  pro- 
ductive of  important  heneflts  to  the  Company. 
The  Honourable  Court  fui  iher  adds  : “ On  no 
subject  has  the  Court  of  Directors  been  more 
unanimous,  than  in  their  anxious  desire  to  per- 
petuate the  memory  of  this  eminent  person,  and 
to  excite  in  others  an  emulation  of  his  great 
example.’’  They  direct,  finally,  that  trans- 
lations shall  be  made  of  the  epitaph  into  the 
country  languages,  and  .published  at  Madras, 
and  that  the  native  inhabitants  shall  be  en- 
couraged to  view  the  monument.” 

The  Christians  in  Bengal  were  of  course  re- 
joiced to  hear  of  the  honourable  testimony  tf> 
tlie  apostoftc  Swartz,  end  they  expected  that  it 
would  be  acknowledged  here,  as  at  Fort  St. 
George  and  Bombay ; but  they  were  disa])- 
pointed  : there  was  no  recognition  of  the  vener- 
able 31issionary  iii  Bengal.  The  epitaph  was 
not  insei  ted  in  tlie  Calcutta  Gazette,  nor  was 
tlie  sliglitest  notice  taken  of  the  circumstance. 
And  lest  it  might  be  supposed  tiiat  it  was 


MEMORIAL. 


5r 

omitted  by  accident,  the  official  notice  of  the 
Governor  in  Council  at  Fort  St.  George,  which 
appeared  siibsG»|uentIy,  relative  to  the  day  of 
eummemoration,  was  also  suppressed. 

But  what  followed  was  yet  more  painful. 
Your  Lordship  w ill  judge  of  the  feelings  of  the 
Christians  in  this  place,  when  they  read,  in  the 
Government  Gazette  of  the  week  following,  an 
article  whose  obvious  tendency  was  to  bring  the 
labours  and  character  of  the  Christian  Mis- 
sionary into  contempt.*  Thus,  while  the  Hon- 
ourable the  East  India  Company  were  adorn- 
ing the  sepulchres  of  their  Missionaries  and 
enjbalming  their  memory  in  the  South,  their 
own  servants  were  treating  the  character  with 
indignity  in  the  North.  We  were  at  first 
alarmed,  lest  lliis  might  be  tlie  signal  for  the 
other  papers  to  commence  an  attack  on  tlse 
humble  and  defenceless  IVIissionaries ; but  vve 
were  happy  to  find,  that  not  one  of  the  seven 
papers  oK  this  Presidency  followed  the  example 
of  the  official  Gazette. 

As  it  is  not  probable  that  any  of  the  partio'- 
lars  above-mentioned,  have  as  yet  come  tV  ^ our 
Lordship’s  know  ledge,  1 beg  leave  to  refer  your 
Lordsliip  to  the  enclosed  printed  paj>er  (A) 
published  by  the  authority  of  the  Governmeut 
of  Fort  St.  George. 

The  Mission  to  Greenland  and  Labrador,  whose 
civilizing-  efficacy  on  the  rude  inhabitants  of  tliosc  re- 
gions has  long  been  a theme  of  admiration  to  the  Chris- 
tian world,  is  held  forth  in  that  paper  to  public  ridi- 
cule ; and  tlie  simple  narrative  of  tiie  pious  w-ell-mean- 
3ng  Missionaries,  is  declared  to  “exhibit  a degree  of 
canting  fanaticism  w'ell  worlbv  of  the  followers  of 
Crunip'ell.*’— Ca/ci/L'a  Gazette,  Sept.  17,  1807. 


>38 


MEMORIAL. 


S.  Fourth.  Restraining^  the  Protestant  Mis- 
sionaries in  Bengal,  from  the  exercise  of*  their 
fii!ictio!is,  and  establishing  an  Imprimatur  for 
tlieologicai  works. 

Men’s  miuds  were  prepared,  by  the  preced- 
ing circumstances,  to  expect  little  indulgence  to 
Missionaries,  but  they  were  certainly  not  pre- 
pared to  expect  the  event  which  followed. 

The  success  of  the  Protestant  ^Mission  in 
Bengal  Jiad  long  been  a source  of  uneasiness 
to  those  (dfieers  of  Governinent  who  do  not 
think  it  right  to  convert  the  natives.  Some  of 
the  native  Moonshees  attaclied  to  the  public 
Osiices,  well  kiiowiii:',  froin  long  acquaintance, 
their  masters’  sentiments  on  this  subject,  have 
not  failed  from  time  to  time  to  urge  them  to 
countenance  tiieir  petitions,  and  to  lend  their 
voice  in  accusing  tlie  Missionaries.  Some 
eiamour  of  this  kind  was  raised  at  two  dif- 
ferent times  within  tlie  last  seven  years  ; but  it 
passed  away  without  oflence  to  the  Christian 
Religion.  The  complaint  of  the  Moonshees 
against  tlie  Missionaries,  on  the  present  occa- 
sion, is  not,  I understand,  so  serious  as  the 
former  : they  complain,  that  the  Missionaries 
have,  in  a certain  paper,  applied  abusive 
epitliets  to  Maliomet.”  The  Missionaries  cer- 
tainly misteJ  e the  proper  method  of  eonvijjeing 
the  minds  of  men,  if  tiliey  use  epithets  of  abuse; 
the  successful  nietliod  of  preaching  is  by  argu- 
ment and  ailectionate  address  ; and  I presume 
this  has  been  their  general  metirnd  during  tjie 
fourteen  years  of  their  mission,  else  we  cannot 
suppose  their  labours  would  have  been  followed 
ivitii  so  nuic.h  fciiecese. 


MEMORIAL. 


59 

At  the  same  time,  Christian  Teachers  are 
iiot  to  speak  with  reverence  or  courtesy  of  Jug- 
gernaut or  Mahomet;  they  must  speak  as  the 
Scriptures  speak;  that  is,  of  false  gods  as 
false  gods,  and  of  a lying  prophet  as  a lying 
prophet.  The  Mahometans  apply  abusive  epi- 
thets and  vulgar  curses  to  the  idolatry  of  the 
Hindoos  and  to  the  faith  of  Christians,  and 
these  epithets  are  contained  hooks ; and 
Government  might,  on  the  same  principle,  have 
been  assailed  with  the  petitions  of  Christians 
and  Hindoos  against  the  Mahometans.  If  the 
natives  choose  to  go  to  hear  the  preaching  or 
to  read  the  books  of  the  Missionaries,  it  is  their 
pleasure  to  do  so — it  is  no  concern  of  Govern- 
/neiit.  These  poor  Missionaries  are  not  official 
characters  : they  have  no  power,  no  authority, 
no  riches ; and  this  the  natives  well  know. 
They  are  like  the  first  Apostles,  contemned 
and  despised  by  all  casts  ; and  if  they  are  be- 
reaved of  the  countenance  of  their  own  Govern- 
ment, they  are  bereaved  indeed. 

The  complaint,  however,  of  the  Mahometans 
has  produced  a very  serious  event.  The  Protes- 
tant Missionaries  in  Bengal  were  prohibited, 
hy  order  of  Government  dated  8th  September 
last,  from  preaching  to  the  natives.* 

The  Protestant  Mission  being  situated  at 
Serampore,  a town  belonging  to  the  King  of 
Denmark,  the  English  Government  requested 

• It  was  generally  understood  that  the  former  admi- 
nistration were  unwilling  to  encounter  the  public  odium 
of  accomplishing  this  measure  ; and  that,  by  pressing  it 
with  a serious  countenance  on  Lord  Minto  immediately 
on  his  arrival,  they  surprised  the  Governor-general. 


60 


memorial. 


the  Danish  Governor  to  give  iip  the  Mission 
Vress,  anti  ordered  the  Missionaries  to  remove 
to  Calcutta.  Tiie  Danish  Governor  resisted 
this  demand,  on  thtrplea  of  tlie  sovereignty  of 
liis  nation  ;*  and  the  English  Government*  re- 
voked their  requisition.  The  English  Govern- 
ment then  issued  i?n  order  prohibiting  the  Mis- 
sionaries from  printing  any  books,  “ directed 
to  the  object  o'>'*  converting  the  natives  to  Chris- 
tianity.” On  this  a question  was  proposed 
officially  to  t!ie  British  Government  by  the 
Danish  Governor;  a question  which  your  Lord- 
ship  will  be  concerned  to  think  should  ever 
have  been  necessary.  It  was  this;  “Whether, 
among  the  books  prohibited  by  the  British 
Government,  the  Bible  in  the  Bengalee  language 
was  included  The  answer  to  this  question 
your  Lordship  will  read  with  yet  more  con- 
cern. It  was  the  following:  “We  are  not 
aware  of  any  objection  to  the  promulgation  of 
the  Scriptures  in  the  Bengalee  language,  unac- 
companied by  any  comments  on  the  religions  of 
the  country:”  that  is,  the  English  Government 
were  not  “aware  tliat  there  was  any  objection 
to  the  publication  of  the  Bible,  yet  they  were 
not  certain.”  At  all  events,  it  must  have  “ lio 

* Dr.  Buchanan  was  misinformed  in  thi.s  particular. 
The  Danish  Governor  did  not,  it  seems,  resist  the  de- 
mand, on  the  plea  of  tlie  sovereij^nty  of  his  n.'ition,  al- 
thoug^h  he  misjht  have  so  done  if  it  had  pleased  him ; 
hut  he  solicited  the  revocation  of  tlie  demand,  on  t]»e 
ground  of  ‘’the  distress  to  which  the  Missionaries 
w'ould  be  exposed  by  the  English  Government’s  exact- 
ing a compliance  with  it,”  and  on  the  ground  of  the 
cpnvenic’itce  of  the  press  to  the  Danish  Government. 


MEMORIAL. 


61 


comment  on  the  religions  of  the  country:”  that 
is,  it  must  not  be  said  of  the  Bible — This  is 
the  word  of  the  true  God,  and  more  worthy  of 
belief  than  the  Veda  of  Brahma  nor  must 
any  illustration  of  its  truth  be  noticed  by  refer- 
ence to  ihe  Hindoo  doctrines  ; for  instance,  by 
appealing  to  their  own  ideas  of  a Trinity,  of 
an  atonement,  and  of  the  ‘‘man  twice  born.” 

After  some  consideration,  the  English  Govern- 
ment  qualified  (but  did  not  revoke)  their  prohi- 
bition respecting  works  directed  to  the  object 
of  converting  the  natives,”  and  informed  the 
Missionaries  OiSeially  that,  whatever  they 
printed  for  the  future,  must  be  submitted  to  tlie 
inspection  of  the  odicers  of  Government:”  and 
here  the  matter  ended.  An  official  Imprimatur 
is  established  for  the  theological  works  of  the 
Protestant  Missionaries ; and  preaching  to  the 
natives,  beyond  the  limits  of  the  Danish  town, 
is  entirely  prohibited  : and  this,  of  course, 
amounts  to  nearly  a total  suppression  of  the 
^iiision. 

The  chief  inconvenience  of  the  Imprimatur 
imposed  is,  not  that  religious  books  shall  be 
submitted  to  the  officers  of  Government,  but 
that  they  must  be  submitted  to  the  native” 
officers  of  Government.  If,  indeed,  the  Chris- 
tian officers  of  Government  understood  the  Ben- 
galee, Arabic,  Orissa,  Mahratta,  and  Chinese 
languages,  then  might  the  Missionaries  expect 
that  Christians  would  revise  their  works  ; but 
a Hindoo  must  revise  the  Bengalee,  and  a Ma- 
hometan the  x\rabie.  Those  very  Mahometans 
who  impeached  the  Missionaries  in  the  first 
instance  will  necessarily  be  employed  next  t« 


MEMORIAL. 


62 

revise  their  theoh)5y.  Was  it  ever  heard  that 
a Hindoo  or  a Mahometan  gave  a candid  judg- 
ment of  a Christian  hook?  They  will,  of 
course,  obliterate  all  passages  which  olfend 
their  own  superstitions,  and  particularly  those 
ijuotations  from  Scripture' which  speak  of  lying 
propliets,  or  the  sin  of  idolatry. 

I now  heg  leave  to  recpiest  your  Lordship's 
attention  to  the  plea  on  which  these  proceed- 
ings against  the  Protestant  Missionaries  have 
been  grounded.  It  is  this : “that  the  public 
faith  has  been  pledged  to  leave  the  natives  in 
the  undisturbed  exercise  of  their  religions.” 
This  is  a proper  pledge  of  oar  Legislature.  It 
is  proper  not  to  disturb  the  natives  in  the  exer- 
cise of  their  religion;  nor  has  this  pledge  ever 
been  broken,  directly  or  indirectly.  It  is  pro- 
per not  to  interfere  with,  or  by  violence  to  pre- 
vent, the  superstition  of  the  natives,  if  not  crim- 
inal in  itself,  or  affecting  the  public  peace. 
But  if,  by  the  expression,  “ not  disturbing  the 
natives  in  the  exercise  of  their  religion,”  be 
meant  that  “ we  are  not  to  use  means  for  dif- 
fusing the  knowledge  of  Christianity  among 
them,”  then  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  this  pledge 
has  been  violated  by  every  Government  in  In- 
dia, and  has  been  systematically  broken  by  the 
Honourable  the  East  India  Company  from  the 
year  1698  to  the  present  time.  The  fact  is, 
they  have  pledged  themselves  to  a conduct  just 
the  reverse.  The  East  India  Company  hold 
this  country  by  a Charter,  which  expressly  sti- 
pulates that  they  shall  use  means  to  instruct 
the  Gentoos,  &e,  in  the  Christian  Religion. 
(William  III.  15th  September,  1698.)  iVnd 


MEMORIAL. 


63 


this  stipulation  is  in  perfect  accordance  wilh 
their  pledge  of  not  disturbing  the  natives  in 
the  exercise  of  their  superstitious  t)Y  force,  in- 
asmuch as  it  is  a very  diiTerent  tiling  to  apply 
arguments  to  tlie  mind  and  to  inflict  wounds  on 
the  body.  It  is  their  duty  to  civilize  their  bar- 
barous subjects,  and  to  teach  them  humanity, 
and  for  that  purpose  to  address  tlieir  under- 
standings and  their  aflections.  At  the  same 
time,  it  is  their  duly  not  to  disturb  the  exercise 
of  their  strperstiiion  by  compulsory  acts  : and 
the  Leg  islature  has  stipulated  for  ihe  perform- 
ance of  both  duties  ; and  the  flrst  duty  is  as 
% positive  as  the  second.  They  first  stijxilate  to 
do  good,  and  they  next  stipulate  not  to  do  evil ; 
and  in  consequence  of  tliis  stipulation,  tiie  Hon- 
ourable Company  have  constantly  aided  the 
Christian  Missions  in  India;  and  at  this  time, 
liiey  devote  a eoiisiderahlc  sum  annually  to  their 
support.  The  Protestant  Mission  in  Bengal 
commenced  in  175S.  The  Honourahle  Com- 
pany's sliips  brought  out  tlie  aiinuai  supplies 
for  this  3iission,  and  before  the  year  1770,  re- 
ligious tracts  were  translated  into  the  Bengalee 
language  ; and  Hindoo  Christians  preached  to 
their  countrymen,  in  the  time  of  Hastings,  in 
the  town  of  Calcutta.  The  ?tlission  continued 
its  labours  till  about  tiic  year  1700,  when  tl:e 
sup[)ly  of  Missionaries  from  Europe  failed. 
It  was  succeeded  by  the  present  ?iHssion  at  He- 
ra !n  pore  in  1793. 

'i'iie  Calcutta  mission  was  of  extensive  use 
in  disseminating  Christian  principles  through 
Northern  India.  Tiiey  sent  Ara’oic  New  'j’es- 
laments  to  the  court  of  Hhah  Allum,  the  Muh- 


64 


MEMORIAL. 


oiTiedan  King  of  Hindostan,  then  reshlent  at 
Allahabad.  The  priests  of  his  Majesty  return- 
ed their  thanks  to  the  Missionaries,  and  reques- 
ted tiuit  tlie  supply  might  be  continued.”  it 
was  continued  for  a time,  and  an  investment  of 
Arabic  Bibles  is  soon  expected,  under  the  sanc- 
tion of  the  Honourable  Company,  for  a similar 
purpose.  Little  of  the  influence  of  Christian- 
ity in  India  has  come,  as  yet,  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  public.  Englishmen  in  general  know'  as 
little  of  the  state  of  Christianity  in  India,  as 
of  the  state  of  Hinduism.  Two  Christian  Mis- 
sions w6re  at  the  same  period  tolerated  by  Shah 
Alluni  ; one  of  whicli  bad  existed  since  the 
time  of  Akbar  the  Great,  and  both  of  whieli 
exist  unto  this  day. 

At  Seringapatam,  under  Hydcr  Sultaun  the 
Mahomedan  Prince  of  Mysore,  the  most  com- 
plete toleration  was  permitted.  In  the  Appen- 
dix to  the  enclosed  pamphlet,  your  Lordship 
W'ill  see  with  what  ardour  the  preaching  of 
Swartz  was  received  at  Seringapatam,  and  how 
the  noble  Afahomedans  and  Hindoos  desired  to 
learn  from  him  what  was  the  right  prayer.” 
Romish  Missions  were  tolerated  by  Hyder  at 
the  same  time.  Tippoo  Sultaun  was  more  in- 
tolerant than  Ids  father.  He  was  at  times  a 
persecutor;  yet  he  did  not  quench  Christiani- 
ty; and  Alissions  now  flourish  in  various  parts 
fT  the  Mysore  country. 

After  these  antimrities,  we  certainly  shall 
not  refer  to  the  Mahomedan  Moonshces  in  Cal- 
cutta, for  their  opinion  on  the  general  relations 
of  religious  toleration  in  India. 

I do  not  know  whether  your  Lordsliip  has 
been  informed,  that  there  are  two  Roman  Cath- 


MEMORIAL. 


65 


nli^  Missions  in  Bengal  and  the  provinces  ad- 
jacent. They  have  existed  for  a long  period  of 
time,  and  have  been  tolerated  by  the  Mahome- 
dan,  Hindoo,  Seik,  Nepaul,  and  Tibet  Govern- 
ments. They  have  preached  and  published 
what  they  pleased,  without  any  official  restric- 
tion that  we  have  ever  heard  of ; and  they  now 
continue  to  follow  their  functions  under  the  pro- 
tection of  the  English  Government,  while  the 
Protestant  Missionaries  are  restrained  and  their 
theology  is  subjected  to  an  official  licence. 

The  proceedings  against  the  Protestant  Mis- 
sion will  naturally  be  supposed  at  home  to  have 
been  called  forth  by  some  public  commotion  in 
Bengal,  or  by  the  bad  moral  character  of  the 
Missionaries.  As  to  the  first,  they  will  be  hap- 
py to  hear,  that  we  are  now,  and  long  have  been, 
in  a state  of  almost  torpid  tranquillity  ; and  as 
to  the  character  of  the  3Iissionaries,  the  Gov- 
ernment has  acknowledged  them  to  be  men  of 
quiet  demeanour,  of  pious  intentions,  and  as  de- 
serving countenance  and  respect  for  their  liter- 
ary labours. 

It  has  been  the  usual  conduct  of  Asiatic  Go- 
vernments to  let  Christianity  alone.  In  the  an- 
iials  of  the  British  Administration  in  India, 
there  has  been  no  instance  of  the  suppression 
of  a Christian  Mission.  Our  empire  here  sub- 
sists by  the  discrepancy  of  religious  opinion. 
It  is  not  good  policy  to  strengthen  the  Hindoo 
Religion,  or  to  strengthen  the  Mahomedan  Re- 
ligion ; but  it  is  good  policy  to  strengthen  the 
Cliiistian  Religion,  heeause  it  is  as  yet  the 
weakest.  It  is  eert.iiiily  our  djity  not  to  oppose 
it ; for  if  this  council  be  of  God,  w e cannot 
6^ 


66 


MEMORIAL. 


resist  it.’^  And  it  would  now  be  as  easy  to  op- 
pose the  rushing  of  the  Bore  into  the  river 
Ganges,  as  to  oppose  the  entranee  of  Christian- 
ity into  the  province  of  Bengal.* 

9.  After  the  pei  usai  of  the  foregoing  pages, 
your  Lordship  will  be  prepared  to  understaiul 
the  cause  of  the  late  alarm  regarding  the  Pro- 
phecies; not  a public  alarm  indeed,  but  the 
alarm  of  some  of  the  officers  of  your  Lord- 
ship’s government. 

Having  had  occasion  lately  to  preach  a se- 
ries of  discourses  on  the  Christian  Prophecies, 
in  the  Presidency  Church,  some  of  the  congre- 
gation expressed  a wish  that  I would  permit 
them  to  be  printed,  observing,  that  they  had  be- 
fore made  a similar  request  without  effect ; but 
as  1 was  now  about  to  return  to  Europe,  they 
hoped  I would  bequeath  to  them  these  few  dis- 
courses. 

When  it  was  understood  by  the  officers  of 
Government,  that  the  sermons  on  the  prophe- 
cies were  to  be  published,  they  were  alarmed: 
— your  Lordship  will  scarcely  divine  the  cause 
— it  was  this  It  seems  these  prophecies  de- 
clare, that  all  nations  shall  be  converted  to 
the  religion  of  Christ.”  But  if  this  be  true,  it 
was  argued.  What  bad  news  to  the  Mahome- 
dans  and  the  Hindoos ! In  sl.orl,  the  advertise- 
ment announcing  the  intended  publication  of 
the  Prophecies,  which  was  sent  to  the  Govern- 

* The  Boke  is  th?  ra^/icl  influx  of  the  tide  of  the 
ocean  into  the  Ganges.  That  river  is  wide  at  the  mouth  ; 
hut  suddenly  narrowing’,  the  accumulated  waters  seek 
"tlieir  level,  and  run  forward  in  a continued  billow,  with 
a mighty  rusliing  noise,  a hundred  miles  up  the  country. 


MEMORIAL. 


67 


meiit  Gazette,  was  suppressed ; the  advertise- 
ment itself  was  delivered  in  with  trepidation 
to  Government,  and  an  order  was  immediately 
issued  to  the  printers  of  the  other  papers,  for- 
bidding them  to  publish  the  alarming  notice. 
In  consequence  of  this  order,  it  has  been  pub- 
licly understood  that  the  Christian  Prophecies 
- are  suppressed  by  authority  i 

I now  beg  leave  to  submit  it  to  your  Lord- 
ship’s judgment,  whether,  in  the  view  of  the 
temper  of  mind  displayed  above,  it  would  be 
proper  in  me  to  subject  my  compositions  to  the 
opinion  and  revision  of  the  officers  of  your 
Lordship’s  government.  Might  there  not  be 
some  danger  in  committing  the  Christian  Pro- 
phecies to  be  altered  and  new-modelled  by  men 
who  favour  the  disciples  of  Mahomet  and  Brah- 
ma ? I incline  not  to  commit  them  to  the  hands 
of  those  officers,  from  another  consideration  : 
it  would  be  a bad  precedent.  I would  not  that 
it  should  be  thought,  that  any  where  in  the^ 
British  dominions,  there  exists  any  thing  like  a 
civil  inquisition  into  matters  purely  religious. 

It  is  now  nearly  two  months  since  I received 
the  letter  from  Governinent  on  tliis  matter, 
and  I have  not  yet  communicated  my  intentions. 

I now  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Lordship,  that 
I do  not  wish  to  give  Government  any  unneces- 
sary offence,  I shall  not  publish  the  Prophe- 
cies. 

At  the  sa»m8  time  1 beg  leave  most  respect- 
fully to  assure  your  Lordship,  that  I am  not  in 
any  way  disappoiiited  by  the  interference  of 
Government  on  tfiis  occasion.  The  pupposed 
suppression  of  the  Christian  Propbji^es  has 


6S 


MEMORIAL. 


produced  (he  consequence  that  might  bn  expec- 
ted. The  public  curiosity  has  been  greatly  ex- 
cited to  see  these  Prophecies;  and  to  draw  the 
attention  of  men  to  the  Divine  Predictions, 
could  be  the  only  object  I had  in  view  in  notic- 
ing them  in  the  course  of  my  public  ministry. 
Another  consequence  will  probably  be ; the 
Prophecies  will  be  translated  into  the  languages 
of  the  East,  and  thus  pave  the  way,  as  has 
sometimes  happened,  for  their  own  fulfilment. 

10.  Your  Lordship  will  be  enabled  better  to 
understand  the  real  nature  of  this  alarm  re- 
garding the  Prophecies,  when  you  are  inform- 
ed of  the  alarm  which  was  excited  about  half 
a year  before  your  Lordship’s  arrival,  by  the 
ancient  ‘•Christian  Tablets.” 

In  consequence  of  the  inquiries,  sanctioned 
by  the  Marquis  Wellesley,  into  the  history  and 
literature  nf  the  Syrian  Christians  of  Travan- 
core,  some  ancient  Manuscripts  were  announc- 
ed, and  also  certain  “ Brass  Tablets”  of  great 
antiquity,  containing  tiie  privileges  of  these  an- 
cient Christians,  asserting  their  rights  of  no- 
bility, and  declaring  nithal  that  they  had  a 
King.  Your  Lordship  can  hardly  conceive  the 
apprehensions  which  were  excited  by  this  dis- 
covery, in  the  minds  of  those  who  iiave  been 
lately  alarmed  by  the  Prophecies.  Even  at 
tJje  first,  it  was  accounted  an  oininons  mission 
to  go  “to  rake  up  the  asl-.es  of  Christianity” 
in  the  very  midst  of  tlie  Hindoos.  .But  when 
it  was  animtinced  that  tliere  were  “glowing 
embers,”  not!)ing  less  seemed  to  be  expected 
than  lluit  all  Hiiidoslan  would  shortly  be  “ in  a 
fiame.**  For  if  it  was  true  lltat  Christianity 


MEMORIAL. 


69 


once  flourhlied  in  Hindostan,  it  followed  that 
it  miglit  dourish  again.  It  was  devour iy  wish- 
ed that  these  Christian  Tablets  might  sink 
to  the  bottom  of  the  sea,*’  and  even  the  curios- 
ity of  tlie  Hindoo  Antiquaries  was  queaehed  in 
this  horror  of  Christianity.* 

That  yonr  Lordship  may  be  assured  that  this 
alarm  was  real,  and  not  fictitious,  it  is  only  ne- 
cessary to  add,  that  when  the  article  of  iitera- 
ry  intelligence  published  in  the  Bombay  Gaz- 
ette, containing  the  account  of  these  ancient 
Christians.t  and  of  these ‘‘  brass  plates”  (which 
account  was  certainly  interesting  to  the  Chris- 
tian world  in  general,  and  to  men  of  letters  in 
particular,)  arrived  at  Calcutta,  it  was  sup- 
pressed, by  authority,  as  something  dangerous 
to  the  State;  and  the  Bishop  of  Llantlafi‘’s  let- 
ter on  the  Civilization  of  Indiaf  had  nearly 
shared  the  same  fate. 

11.  It  appearing  from  the  recent  events  above 
noticed,  that  the  diffusion  of  Christianity  in 
Bengal  is  plainly  obnoxious  to  some  of  the  of- 
ficers of  Government,  serious  apprehensions 
are  now'  entertained,  that  the  attempt  to  sup- 
press the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  will  be 
renew'ed.  I cannot  believe  that  the  attempt 
w ill  be  made  during  your  Lordship’s  adminis- 

^ ' These  brass  tablets  are  now  deposited  in  the  pub- 
lic library  of  the  University  of  Cambridge. 

t It  had  been  previously  published  in  the  Bombay 
Gazette,  by  winch  nK^ans  it  reached  Europe.  It  was 
published  afterwards  in  Engiand  by  the  late  Bishop  of 
London. 

■t  See  Christian  Researches,  at  conclusion. 


ro 


MEMORIAL. 


tration.  If,  however,  any  sinister  event  should 
afford  a pretext  for  revivint^  it,  1 humbly  re- 
quest that  the  Chinese  Translation  of  the 
Scriptures  may  be  spared.  Suffer  me,  my  Lord, 
to  intercede  for  the  Chinese.  There  are  three 
English  youths,  who  have  been  for  two  years 
past  under  the  tuition  of  the  Ciiinese  Professor 
and  his  t\Yo  Chinese  Assistants,  and  they  have 
now  acquired  a very  considerable  proficiency 
ill  the  Chinese  Language  ; and  it  is  my  inten- 
tion to  call  them  to  lingland  for  public  pur- 
poses, in  three  years  hence,  if  their  studio's  be 
not  interrupted.  This  Class  has  been  organiz- 
ed and  maintained  at  a great  expense.  It  is 
the  only  regular  Chinese  Class  in  the  world, 
cut  of  ilie  limits  of  the  Chinese  Empire;  and 
it  Mil;  probably  be  the  source  of  the  first  regu- 
ior  i istruction  in  the  Chinese  Language  in 
Great  liritain.* 

* The  expense  was  upwards  of  1300  pounds.  The 
Chinese  Professor,  Mr.  Lassar,  was  ori.s^inally  engaged 
to  superintend  the  Class  at  Serainpore,  by  Dr.  Buchan- 
an, aud  was  maintained  at  his  sole  expense  for  about 
three  years,  at  300  rupees  per  month.  The  condition 
on  which  Dr.  Buchan-an  engaged  to  maintain  him  at  the 
IM  issiou-Housc,  was,  Tliat  one  of  the  elder  Missionaries, 
and  three  at  least  of  the  youths,  should  engage  in  the 
diligent  study  of  the  Chinese  Language  Mr.  Marsh- 
man  was  the  elder  Missionary  who  accepted  the  con- 
dition. Hearing  that  the  lion,  the  Court  of  Directors 
were  about  to  organize  the  College  at  Hertford,  Dr  Br.- 
clianan  contempiated,  at  that  time,  the  probability  of 
Mr.  La.ssar’s  pupils  being  by  and  by  qualilied  to  hold  a 
situation  as  Instructors  of  Chinese  in  that  institution. 
They  are  now  qualified  for  that  office  ; and  it  seems  to 
be  tile  interest  of  the  East-lndia  Company  to  appropri- 


MEMORIAL. 


ri 


12.  If  your  Lordship  should  judge  it  expe- 
dient to  investigate  any  of  the  facts  contained 
in  this  letter,  I shall  be  happy  to  afford  any 
further  evidence  or  explanation  that  may  be  re- 
quired, before  I leave  India. 

I have  the  honour  to  be. 

My  Lord, 

With  the  highest  respect,  your  Lordship’s 

Most  obedient  and  humble  Servant, 
(Signed)  C.  BUCHANAN. 

Calcutta, 

7th  Nov.  1807. 

ate  the  special  advantage.  A knowledge  of  the  Chinese 
Language  is  confessed  to  be  of  the  utmost  importance 
to  tlieir  civil  servants  who  have  to  negociate  with  the 
Chinese  people  ; and  yet  it  is  not  cultivated  either  at 
the  College  of  Fort  William  in  Bengal,  or  at  tJie  Col- 
lege of  Hertford  in  England.  This  impoi'tant  language, 
hitherto  deemed  inaccessible  to  the  Universities  of  Eu- 
rope, was  planted,  and  has  been  brought  to  maturity, 
as  it  were,  by  the  wav-side. 


REMARKS 


02T  THE 

LETTER  FROM  THE  BENGAL  GOVERNMENT 

TO  THE 

£[on.  the  Court  of  Directors^  dated  Dec.  7,  1807,  in  reply 
to  the  foregoing  JMcinorial.* 

THE  Earl  of  Mintn  must  be  well  assured  by 
this  time,  that  I highly  respect  the  character 
of  liis  administration  ; for  his  public  acts  de- 
monstrate, that  he  is  by  no  means  indifferent  to 
the  promotion  of  learning  in  the  East,  or  to 
the  diffusion  of  Christian  Knowledge  amongst 
the  inhabitants  of  India.  At  the  time  I sub- 
mitted to  his  Lordship  the  preceding  Memorial 
concerning  the  injuries  indicted  on  Christianity 
in  Bengal,  I wished  him  to  understand  that  I 
exonerated  him  entirely  from  blame,  since  he 
had  but  lately  arrived,  and  could  not  possibly 
be  fully  acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances 
to  which  the  Address  referred.  And  his  Lord- 
ship  will  do  me  the  justice  to  recollect  that  I 
did  not  transmit  that  letter  “ on  the  public  ser- 
vice,” or  to  the  Governor-general  “ in  Coun- 
cil but  merely  for  his  private  information,  if 
he  should  think  proper  so  to  consider  it.  His 


See  Appendix,  No.  I. 


REMARKa. 


7'i 


faslilouing  my  address  into  a public  proceeding 
was  entirely  gratuitous.  I oSered  to  explain  ; 
but  he  declined  an  interview,  and  chose  to  send 
the  Memorial  to  England,  accompanied  by  offi- 
cial animadversion.  The  truth  was,  he  natur- 
ally received  his  first  impressions  from  the  pub- 
lic* functionaries  who  filled  official  situations 
near  his  person ; and  with  that  urbanity  and 
heroism  which  are  natural  to  him,  he  said,  “ I 
will  defend  my  new  government.”  The  radi- 
cal error  of  his  Lordship’s  incipient  adminis- 
tration (not  indeed  imputable  to  himself)  was, 
that  in  concerting  measures  respecting  ‘‘  Reli- 
gion and  Christian  Missions,”  he  did  not  call  to 
his  councils  the  official  adviser  of  GTovernment 
on  such  subjects;  namely,  the  Senior  Chaplain 
of  the  Honourable  Company,  the  Rev.  David 
Brown,  who  had  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  ev- 
ery Governor-General  for  nearly  twenty  years 
before,  and  who  could  have  given  him,  in  a few 
minutes,  just  views  of  character  and  of  exist- 
ing circumstanees.  B^jt  some  of  the  persons 
about  his  Lordship  had  no  desire  to  direct  liis 
attention  at  that  crisis  to  such  a counsellor  as 
Mr.  Brown ; for  he  was  too  sincere  a friend  of 
Ciiristianity.*  His  Lordship’s  good  sense, 
however,  seems  soon  to  have  triumphed  over 
this  difficulty  : and  to  have  enabled  him  to  ap- 
preciate justly  Mr.  Brown’s  eounsei  and  com- 
munications. The  public  has  heard  how  lau- 
dably Lord  jMiiito  has  exercised  himself  la 
promoting  useful  learning,  by  giving  Ins  pat- 

* I would  always  exempt  from  the  imputations  com 
nected  with  this  subject  Niei  Benjamin  Edrnonstoiie, 
Esq.  Vice-President  of  tls;  Calcutta  Bible  Society, 


74 


REMARKS, 


ronage  to  the  College  of  Fort  William,  to  the 
Chinese  Class  at  Serampore,  and  to  the  Calcut- 
ta Auxiliary  Bible  Society.  In  Mr.  Brown’s 
commuuicatiou  to  me  last  year,  respecting  the 
establishment  of  the  Bible  Society,  he  distinct- 
ly mentions  his  Lordship’s  change  of  sentiment 
on  some  points. — ‘‘  Pagoda,  (Serampore,)  5lli 
March,  18 il. — 1 have  had  long  and  full  dis- 
c’.^ssioHS  w ith  Lord  Minto  on  all  subjects  of  re- 
ligion, missions,  and  Scriptures  ; and  he  is  very 
desirous  to  tread  back  his  steps,  and  to  atone 
for  the  mistake  which  he  made  at  the  begin- 
ning of  his  government.  Your  memorial  pre- 
pared the  way  for  this  reflux  of  sentiment. 
ISeither  that,  nor  the  Chinese,  nor  any  part  of 
your  labours,  have  fallen  to  the  ground.”  Lord 
Minto  w ill  best  know’  whether  this  extract  pos- 
sesses the  features  of  truth.  Nothing  could 
have  justified  my  printing  it  but  the  necessity 
w hieh  existed,  that  the  truth  should  be  fully  un- 
derstood on  a subject  afl’ectiug  the  interests  of 
Christit«iity,  and  the  character  of  its  legitimate 
teachers  in  India.  It  is  believed  in  Bengal, 
that  the  attack  on  the  Missionaries  did  not 
originate  with  Lord  Minto.  On  the  contrary, 
it  w as  supposed  that  his  presence  tempered  its 
violence,  and  assuaged  the  storm. 

2.  1 shall  do  myself  the  honour  to  remark 
on  the  Letter  itself.  The  Memorial  presented 
by  me  adverted  to  certain  public  acts  which  I 
considered  to  he  dishononrable  and  injurious  to 
Christianity.  I specified  the  four  following: 

First.  The  w ithdrawing  ®f  the  patronage 
of  Government  from  the  translation  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  into  the  Oriental  Tongues.” 


REMARKS. 


V5 


Second.  « Attempting  to  suppress  the  trans- 
l?ition  of  the  Scriptures  entirely*” 

Third.  Suppressing  the  encomium  oi  the 
Honourable  the  Court  of  Directors  on  their  ve- 
nerable Missionary  the  Rev.  Mr.  Swartz  and 
Fourth.  Restraining  the  Protestant  Mis- 
sionaries in  Bengal  from  the  exercise  of  their 
functions,  and  establishing  an  Imprimatur  lor 
Theological  Works.” 

To  the  first  of  these  charges,  the  Bengal 
Government  have  made  no  reply  ; and  yet  it 
was  the  most  important.  The  withdrawing  of 
the  patronage  of  Government  from  the  transla- 
tion of  the  Scriptures,  which  had  commenced 
so  auspiciously  in  the  College  of  Fort  William, 
was  an  act  which  involved  in  it  most  sensibly 
the  honour  of  a Christian  Administration.  But 
there  is  not  one  word  offered  in  justification. 
Indeed,  it  was  impossible  to  justify  it.* 

To  the  second  charge,  “ Attempting  to  sup- 
press the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  eutire- 

* It  is  to  be  hoped  that,  at  this  era  of  Christian  in- 
vestigation, the  East-India  Company  will  vindicate  the 
honour  of  the  nation,  and  of  their  own  government  in 
India,  by  directing  that  the  College  of  Fort  William 
shall  patronise,  as  it  formerly  d.d,  translations  oftlie 
Scriptures  in  the  various  languages  of  the  East  ; aiid 
particularly,  tl^at  the  ivsitlar  languages,  cultivated  by 
their  Professor,  the  late  Dr.  Leyden,  (into  each  of  which 
he  has  translated  the  Gospel  of  St.  Matthew),  may  not 
be  permitted  again  to  sink  into  oblivion  for  want  of 
encouragement.  The  College  of  Fort  William  expends 
a monthly  sum  at  this  time,  under  sanction  of  the 
Court  of  Directors,  for  translations  from  the  Mytholo- 
gy of  Drahma  (witness  the  fabulous  Ramayunu,  &c.) 
but  nothing  is  given,  that  we  have  heard  of,  fQi*  the 
honour  of  Christ, 


KEMAHKiw 


V 6 

ly”  out  of  tlie  College,  a«  v ell  as  in  it,  no  re^ 
ply  is  made.  iSor  shall  1 add  furlher  explaua' 
lion. 

To  tlie  third  charge^  ‘‘  Suppressing  the  offi- 
cial eneorainm  on  the  venerable  Swartz,”  there 
is  no  reply.  There  is  iwit  the  most  distant  al- 
lusion to  the  subject. 

On  the  fourth  charge  alone,  copious  observa- 
tions have  been  made.  And  on  these  I propose 
to  animadvert. 

Of  the  collateral  snhjeets,  the  alarm  con- 
cerning The  Brass  Plates,”  and  the  exclu- 
sion from  the“  Government  Gazette  and  other 
papers  of  the  “ literary  intelligence”  concern- 
ing the  Syrian  Christians  in  Travancore,  no  no- 
tice has  been  taken.* 

* When  Dr.  Leyden,  Lord  Mlnto’s  admired  literary 
friend,  who  possessed  a spirit  which  was  keenly  suscep- 
tible, beard  of  the  Government’s  suppressing  the  “lit- 
erary intelligence,”  relating  to  that  very  quarter  of  In- 
dia, through  part  of  which  he  himself  had  travelled, 
and  cortcerning  which  he  had  furnished  me  with  vari- 
ous topics  of  investigation,  I leave  his  Lordshlj^to  con- 
ceive the  fluent  speech  and  bodily  agitation  of  the 
scholar,  on  the  view  of  the  “ Gothic  proceeding.” 

The  ptiblic  in  England  have  been  much  gratified  hy 
the  perusal  of  the  Earl  of  Minlo’s  beautiful  eiilogium 
on  the  character  of  Dr.  Leyden,  at  the  last  public  dis- 
putation at  the  Gollege  of  Fort  William.  ]'>r.  Ijcydcn’s 
talents  for  philological  research  were  indeed  beyond  all 
praise;  but  he  consecrated  iiis  last  years  by  a study  of 
a higher  kind  than  that  of  philology  ; “ He  was  trans- 
lating tlie  Holy  Scriptures  into  five  ddferent  languages.’* 
We  should  have  been  happy  to  have  seen,  tliat  this 
fittest  subject  for  the  liighest  panegyric  had  not  been 
wholly  omitted  in  a discoui’se  addressed  to  the  Student? 
of  the  College  of  Fort  Vf  iilium. 


REMARKS. 


3.  Before  I prcrceed  further,  I shall  make 
two  preliminary  remarks. 

Of  the  accuracy  of  the  facts  stated  in  the 
Memorial,  I think  there  can  be  little  doubt.  I 
challenged  inquiry  before  I left  Calcutta ; but 
the  Government  did  not  think  it  necessary  ter 
investigate  them.  They  wrote  their  Letter  to 
the  Court  of  Directors  while  I was  yet  on  the 
spot,  without  communicating  their  sentiments 
to  me  in  any  manner,  although  I was  on  terms 
of  personal  civility  with  every  member  of  the 
administration ; and  they  sent  the  letter  home 
without  my  knowledge  by  the  same  fleet  which 
conveyed  myself.  Nor  did  I ever  see  it  until 
it  was  recently  printed  by  order  of  the  Hon- 
ourable the  House  of  Commons. 

The  second  remark  I would  make  refers  to 
the  charge  of  “ disrespect”  which  is  preferred 
against  me,  in  the  Letter  alluded  to,  for  ad- 
dressing Government  at  all  on  the  subject ; and 
to  which  they  frequently  revert  with  lively  sen- 
sibility. I am  not  at  all  anxious  about  self- 
justification  in  this  matter,  except  as  the  hon- 
our of  religion  may  be  concerned  : and  I hope 
little  personal  feeling  will  be  visible  in  these 
Remarks.  But  in  regard  to  the  charge  in 
question,  I only  request  that  the  Bengal  Gov- 
ernment will  look  back  to  the  transaction,  and 
survey  the  nature  of  the  subject  and  the  cir- 
cumstances in  which  I stood.  Let  them  say 
whether  I had  any  personal  interest  in  the 
cause  at  issue.  Did  1 address  Government  for 
my  own  advantage  Was  it  to  recommend  my- 
self to  the  favour  of  the  Court  of  Directors 
w hen  I returned  home  ? No.  It  w as  not  mv  ow  n 


HEM  ARKS. 


rs 

cause,  but  that  of  Revealed  Religion,  wbicb  I 
maintained.  Christianity  had  been  dishonour- 
ed. Its  teachers  were  oppressed  and  silenced  5 
and  there  was  nobody  to  appear  for  the  truth. 
I stood,  for  a moment,  the  Representative  of 
“ Him  who  is  higher  than  the  highest.’’  And 
is  (his  to  be  denominated  disrespect;  especial- 
ly when  the  words  of  my  Address  are  perfect- 
ly respectful  ? 1 think  that,  in  the  judgment  of 
candour  and  of  eniightened  minds,  it  will  be 
thought  that  1 barely  did  my  duty.  The  pub- 
lic voice  in  the  settlement  of  Calcutta  was  cer- 
tainly in  my  favour ; for  the  proceedings  against 
the  Missionaries  were  very  generally  con- 
demned. 

4.  The  justification  of  the  acts  of  Govern- 
ment specified  in  the  eighth  paragraph  of  my 
Alemorial,  is  founded  on  these  two  assump- 
tions, viz. 

1.  That  the  ^proceedings  of  the  Missiona- 
ries were  of  a character  entirely  new,”  and  that 
their  publications  and  preaching  rendered  the 
interference  of  Government  necessary. 

2.  That  the  Supreme  Government  w as  by  no 
means  hostile  to  the  introduction  of  Christiani- 
ty into  India. 

Let  us  review  the  first  of  these  assumptions. 
—We  shall  describe  “ the  origin”  of  the  pro- 
ceedings against  the  Missionaries  in  the  words 
of  the  official  dispatch  to  the  Court  of  Direc- 
tors. 

‘‘  The  pamphlet  in  question  was  delivered  to 
the  Secretary  in  the  Secret,  Political,  and  For- 
eign Department  by  the  Professor  of  Aral)ic 
^ud  Persian  in  the  College  of  Fort  William. 


REMARKS'. 


79 


who  Reeeivecl  it  from  the  chief  native  Precep- 
tor in  that  department,”  (that  is,  the  elnef 
Arabic  Moonshee,  a Mahomedan  ;)  who  stat- 
ed that  it  was  put  into  his  hands,  by  the  son  of 
a Mogul  merchant  (a  Mahomedan)  residing  at 
Calcutta,  with  a request  that  he  would  prepare 
an  answer  to  it,  with  a view  to  vindicate  the 
credit  oPtheir  common  religion.”*  It  is  not 
alledged  that  the  Moonshee  complained  of  the 
contents  of  the  paper  in  any  manner.  No  state- 
ment to  that  etfect  is  contained  in  the  whole 
dispatch. 

This  pamphlet,  it  seems,  declared  that  Mah- 
omet was  a tyrant  and  an  impostor ; and  more- 
over, that  the  Christian  Religion  was  the  true 
one.  On  which  the  Government  resolved, 
That  the  public  faith  had  been  pledged  to 
leave  the  inhabitants  of  these  dominions  in  the 
full,  free,  and  undisturbed  exercise  of  their  re- 
spective religions  and  that  the  Missionaries 
ought  to  be  restrained.  They  accordingly  in- 
terdicted the  Missionaries  from  preaching  or 
publishing;  that  is,  they  suppressed  the  Mis- 
sion. But  after  they  had  so  done,  they  discov- 
ered, to  their  great  astonishment,  that  pamph- 
lets of  a similar  nature  had  been  published 
hve  years  before,”  and  that  public  preaching 
had  been  practised  during  the  same  period  in 
Calcutta  liy  the  same  Missionaries.  l)r.  Carey 
declared  officially  ; AUhotigh  pamphlets  have 
been  in  circulation  for  several  years,  no  one  in- 
stance has  come  to  my  kiiov.  ledge  <)f  the  least 
symptom  of  alarm  having  been  excited,  wheth- 


East  India  Papers,  Xo.  142,  p.  4i. 


0 


REMARKS. 


£r  among  Hindoos  or  Mussulmans,  in  conse- 
quence of  such  circulation.”  At  this  period, 
Lord  Minto  must  have  looked  gravely  at  his 
counsellors.  The  Government  discovered  fur- 
|her,  that  pamphlets  of  a like  character  had 
been  published  all  over  the  south  of  India,  for 
three  centuries  before  ; and  that,  in  short,  there 
was  no  way  of  saying  that  Christianity  is  true, 
without  insinuating  that  Mahomedauisui  is 
false. 

5,  But  let  us  investigate;  the  “ first  move- 
ment” in  this  affair.  Ijie  pamphlet  fell  into 
the  hands  of  a Mahomedan  merchant  in  Cal- 
cutta, who  carried  it  to  a Mahomedan  Moon- 
shee  in  the  College,  “ with  a request  that  he 
would  prepare  an  answer  to  it,  with  a view  to 
vindicate  the  credit  of  their  common  religion,” 
Thus  far  was  well.  The  Moonshee  shews  it  to 
his  English  Master,  the  Arabic  Professor  5 
whether,  as  an  object  of  curiosity,  or  in  a sullen 
mood,  is  not  stated.  The  Arabic  Professor 
seizes  the  paper,  and  presents  it  to  the  Govern- 
ment. Now,  if  that  gentleman  had  not  charged 
himself  with  this  official  act,  we  should  proba- 
bly have  never  heard  a word  on  the  subject. 
When  the  Moonshee  had  shewed  the  pamphlet 
to  him,  he  ought  to  have  acted  like  a Christian 
Professor,  and  said,  “ Do  as  the  son  of  the  Mo- 
gul merchant  bids  you  : go  and  prepare  an  an- 
swer to  it  with  a view  to  vindicate  your  common 
religion.”  Had  he  so  done,  the  Moonshee  would 
probably  have  answered  ; “ It  is  hard  work,” 
and  have  gone  to  smoke  his  Hooka. — Again, 
supposing  (for  argument’s  sake)  that  the  Moon- 
shee complained  that  Mahomet  was  vilified, 


nEMARKS. 


SI 


the  Professor  Imd  only  to  reply  : *•  Brahmin?, 
Boodhists  and  Seiks  vilify  Mahomet  every  day 
in  words  and  in  writing.  Bnt  is  it  lor  yon, 
Mahomedaus,  to  speak  of  the  iiuiecoruni  of 
vilifying  the  religion  of  others,  whose  bonks 
are  tilled  with  it.-  What  volume,  in  the  theo- 
logical part  of  Tippoo's  Jdbrary  in  the  College 
of  Port  William  ^if  it  refers  to  Christianity  at 
all)  does  not  contain  the  most  unq'.uiiined  abuse 
of  the  Christian  Religion,  and  of  its  profes- 
sors — 1 hope  tiiat  the  gentleman,  v.  Imever  he 
w as,  w ho  made  himself  active  on  tlic  above  oc- 
casion. has,  by  this  time,  made  some  atonemetit 
to  the  Christian  cause,  and  enrolled  himself  a 
member  of  the  Calcutta  Auxiliary  Bible  So- 
ciety. 

6.  In  the  Letter  of  the  Bengal  Government, 
they  relate  a transaction  which  took  place  un- 
der the  administration  of  ?tlarquis  Wellesley, 
in  vindication  of  their  interfering  with  the  ^Nlis- 
sionaries.  But  I allege  that  the  ease  is  of  no 
value  in  regard  to  the  purpose  for  w hich  it  k 
quoted.  I was  Vice-Provost  of  the  College  at 
the  time,  and  must  have  been  fully  acquainted 
with  tlie  particulars  of  the  transaction.  As  I 
hear  it  has  been  triumphantly  menlioned  by  the 
adversaries  of  Missions,  a brief  elucidation  of 
its  merits  may  not  be  unacceptable. 

In  the  year  tS04,  the  following  Thesis  Avas 
proposed,  among  others,  for  discussion  by  the 
Students,  at  the  annual  disputations  held  in 
the  College  of  Fort  M iliiam,  viz.  •'  The  ad- 
vantage w hich  the  natives  of  this  country  misrht 
derive  Trom  translations,  in  the  vernacular 
tongues,  of  tiic  books  containing  the  principles 


82 


REMARKS. 


of  llieir  respective  religions,  and  those  of  the 
Christian  “ faith.” — Among  the  persons  con- 
nected with  the  Government  and  with  the  Col- 
lege about  that  time,  there  were  some  who,  in 
consequence  of  long  habits  of  intercourse  with 
the  natives,  had  acqtiired  a greater  tenderness 
for  the  religious  feelings  of  a Mahomedan  or 
Hindoo,  than  for  those  of  a Cliristian.  And 
this  they  defended  (some  of  them  singularly 
amiable  men,)  without  renouncing  the  charac- 
ter of  Christian  themselves,  on  the  ground  of 
condescension  to  the  prejudices  of  the  “ weaker 
brethren.”  These  gentlemen  had,  of  course, 
been  hostile  from  the  beginning,  to  the  transla- 
tion of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Oriental  Lan- 
guages, which  was  prpceedirig  in  the  College 
by  Natives  and  Europeans.  So  great  was 
their  jealousy  on  this  subject,  that  there  ex- 
isted a kind  of  compromise  between  us,  that  if 
the  Bible  was  printed  for  Christians,  the  Koran 
should  be  printed  for  Mahomedans  ; which 
was  actually  done.  They  further  objected  to 
the  discussion  of  subjects  at  the  Annual  disputa- 
tions in  the  Oriental  Tongues,  in  which  the 
inferiority  of  Mahbmedanism  might  be  infer- 
red by  implication.  When,  therefore,  the  above 
Thesis  was  proposed,  which  seemed  merely  to 
place  the  Christian  and  Mahomedan  Religions 
on  an  equality,  they  represented  to  me,  as  Vice- 
Provost,  that  the  subject  might  give  oftence.  I 
observed,  that  certainly  there  was  no  ground  of 
ott'ence  on  the  part  of  the  natives  ; that,  on  the 
contrary,  I considered  the  Thesis  myself  as  be- 
ing rather  discreditable  to  Christianity ; and 
that  I would  gladly  order  it  to  be  changed  for 


REMARKS. 


83 


another,  if  it  were  not  that  the  young  men  had 
now  prepared  their  disputations  on  the  subject. 
It  is  proper  to  observe  that  the  subject  was  not 
proposed  by  me.  By  a rule  of  the  College,  the 
selection  of  the  Thesis  is  given  to  the  student, 
called  the  Respondent,  who  is  to  defend  it; 
and  it  must  be  afterwards  approved  by  the 
College  Council.  I heard  no  more  of  the  mat- 
ter till  after  some  days,  when  I was  informed 
that  the  Mahomedan  Moonshees  and  others 
had  signed  a paper  in  the  way  of  memorial  to 
Lord  Wellesley,  requesting  that  their  religion 
might  not  be  invaded.  The  fact  was,  they  were 
urged  and  assisted  so  to  do  by  their  Christian 
Patrons ; the  Moonshees  being  in  general  as 
subservient  to  the  will  of  their  English  Pro- 
fessor as  servants  are  to  a master.  INay,  some 
of  the  English  acknowledged  that  they  “ en- 
couraged it  as  a very  proper  measure.”  And 
it  was  proved  that  many  of  - he  Moonshees  wdio 
signed  the  paper  knew  not  what  the  Thesis 
contained. — -The  petition  having  been  presented 
to  Lord  Wellesley,  he  first  told  them  that  there 
was  no  harm  in  the  Thesis,  and  then  desired  it 
to  be  changed ; which  was  done.  And  this 
was  the  precedent  which  some  years  afterwards 
was  to  vindicate  the  suppression  of  the  Chris- 
tian mission. 

7.  A new  doctrine  was  introduced  about  the 
time  the  Missionaries  were  assiled,  viz.  That 
to  propagate  Christianity  was  necessarily  to 
vilify  (by  inference)  the  religions  of  the  country. 
And  w ith  this  was  connected  the  following  pro- 
position, which  every  wliere  pervades  the  let- 
ter on  which  i am  remarking;  namely,  “That 


remarks. 


6:( 

the  public  faith  had  been,  repeatedly  pledged, 
under  the  express  injunetions  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, to  leave  the  sulijeets  of  the  Company  in 
the  full,  free,  and  undisturbed  exercise  of  their 
respective  religions  — Just  as  if  the  most 
solemn  engagements  of  the  Legislature  in  Great 
Britain  should  ever  be  supposed  to  prccliuh 
religious  discussion  : or  to  forbid  Christians  to 
think  and  to  say,  That  juggernaut  was  a log 
of  wood,  or  that  Mahomet  was  an  impostor. 

The  Missionaries  state,  in  their  5lemoriaI, 
that  the  3iarqais  Wellesley  ordered  the  Psalms 
of  David,  and  the  Prophecy  of  Isaiah,  to  be 
translated  into  the  Bengalee  Language,  as  a 
Class-book  for  the  .Students.  In  consequence 
of  this  order,  the  Hindoo  Moonshees  would  be 
obliged  to  instruct  their  pupils  how^  to  read 
such  passages  as  tliese : All  nations  which 

thou  hast  made  siiall  come  and  worship  before 
thee,  O Lord.” — ‘‘Tlie  Heathen  shall  cast  their 
idols  to  the  moles  and  to  the  bats.”  But  his 
Lordship  was  not  aware  that  he  was  infringing, 
by  that  order,  the  most  solemn  injunctious  of 
the  British  Legislature. 

In  regard  to  “ religious  discussion,”  Dr.  Ca- 
rey represented  to  the  Government,  when  they 
were  about  to  suppress  bis  functions,  a fact 
wdiicli  every  body  conversant  with  tlie  inhabi- 
tants well  knew  ; namely,  “That  the  natives 
of  Bengal,  divided  into  numerous  sects,  indulge 
in  literary  and  religious  discussion  to  an  almost 
unbounded  degree  — and  lliat  the  Missionaries 
‘‘  found,  in  iiumeroMs  instances,  that  discussion 
has  been  desired  and  approved  by  the  multitude, 
even  w ben  it  has  ended  to  the  disadvantage  of 
their  spiritual  guides.” 


REMARKS. 


85 


It  was  amusing,  about  this  time,  <o  see  the 
Missionaries  presenting  to  the  Bengal  Govern- 
ment, uitk  great  simplicity,  (in  reply  to  the 
argumnit  of  the  ‘‘pledged  faith,"’)  an  extract 
from  the  Charter  to  tlie  Company  by  William 
III.  in  nl.ich  it  is  stipulated,  “ I'hat  the  mini- 
sters of  the  Ho:»')urabie  Company  are  to  learn 
the  Hindoo  languages,  to  enable  them  to  instruct 
the  Genloos,  ^c.  in  the  Christian  Religion.” 

8.  The  Beiigal  Governnient,dii  order  to  shew 
that  it  must  he  ditiicult  to  have  religious  dis- 
cussions with  a Mahoinedan,  quote  a passage 
from  a book  of  my  own  : “ A Memoir  of  the 
Expediency  of  an  Etelesiaslical  Establishment 
for  Britisli  India,”  pjibiisiied  in  1805  ; and  they 
seem  to  quote  it  as  containing  a trutJi  justly  ex- 
2>?*essed  ; ‘*  Wlienever  the  Maisomedaii  feels  his 
religion  touclted.  he  grasps  his  dagger.”  This  is 
certa  n'y  a truec*  aracteristic  of  that^people,  in 
general ; and  yet  we  know  that  many  a Ma- 
liomedan  has  been  subdued  by  the  persuasive 
power  of  the  Gospel,  and  that  the  ferocious  ti- 
ger has  been  changed  into  a lamb.  It  is,  doubt- 
less. the  principle  of  the  Mahoniedan  in  every 
j)art  of  the  world,  in  Engiand  as  well  as  India, 
to  draw  the  dagger  when  his  religion  is  assail- 
ed ; for  the  religion  tliat  was  propagated  by 
the  sword  can  only  he  defended  by  the  sword: 
but  where  Mahomedans  are  servants  and  not 
masters,  they  have  not,  or  at  least  ought  not  to 
have,  daggers  to  draw  . 

hi  sueli  eiicumstuiiC-'S  (while  tliey  are  our 
sijbjetits.)  what  ougli  liien  to  be  our  conduct 
towards  them  ? What  do  Ch.ristian  duty  and  a 
itise  jiolicy  require  on  our  part?  This  was  the 
8 


80 


REMARKS. 


question  I was  endeavouring  to  answer.  It  k 
Ihe  fate  of  the  English  in  India  to  exist  among 
this  dagger-drawing  people.  How  may  we  be 
able  to  exist  among  them  for  an  age  to  come 
with  confidence  and  security  ? I attempted  to 
shew,  that  our  only  hope  of  attaining  to  this 
security  must  be  derived  from  gradually  hu- 
manizing their  vindictive  spirit  by  Christian 
instruction.  I recommended  that  the  Govern* 
ment  should  allow'  “ Christian  Schools  to  be 
established  for  the  children  and  that,  in  re- 
spect to  the  adults,  instead  of  “ nursing  their 
faith  w ith  tenderness”  (a^  the  manner  of  some 
was,  and  on  which  I had  just  animadverted  ;) 
and  instead  of  “ reverencing  the  religion  of 
MahomedaJJs”  by  w hich  reverence  it  was  well 
known  their  couteiiiptuous  spirit  was  cherish- 
ed and  FOMENTED ; we  should  endeavour  to 
repress  and  restrain  their  contemptuous  spirit 
(or,  as  I less  properly  expressed  it  in  the  first 
edition,  to  coerce  their  contemptuous  spirit”) 
by  every  proper  means,  and  particularly  by 
maintaining  a distant  demeanour,  and  treating 
them  after  the  manner  adopted  by  Marquis 
^Vellesley  and  Marquis  Cornwallis,  who,  as  I 
afterw  ards  observe,  ‘‘  never  admitted  a native 
to  their  confidence  or  counsel.” 

And  such  are  the  means  I would  yet  reconi- 
mend.'Bi/t  some  persons  have  said,  that  they  un- 
derstand the  passage  as  if  I intended  we  ought 
to  convert  the  Mahomedans  by  force.”*  But 
if  such  w a?  my  meaning,  why  did  not  the  Ben- 

* As  for  the- Hindoos,  they  could  not  have  been  in- 
cludixl,  Ibi*  thcyiiever  shewed  a couteniplMCjns  .spirit  ” 


REMARKS. 


S-7 


gal  Government  quote  the  passage  on  this  most 
fit  occasion,  and  demolish,  at  one  blow,  the  cause 
of  Christian  Conversion  in  India,  which  I was 
defending  ? The  reason  is  very  obvious  : it  was 
because  they  knew  I meant  no  such  thing.  On 
the  contrary,  they  knew  that  tlie  passage  con- 
tained a just  sentiment  and  most  whoiesoine  ad- 
vice. I had  just  before  complained  of  Chris- 
tians doing  obeisance  to  the  faith  of  Mahomet. 

As  matters  now  stand,  the  follower  of  Maho- 
met imagines  that  we  consider  it  a point  of 
honour  to  reverence  his  faith,  and  to  despise 
our  own.  For  he  every  day  meets  with  Euro- 
peans, who  would  more  readily  speak  with  dis- 
respect of  their  own  religion  than  of  his.  No 
where  is  the  bigotry  of  this  intolerant  faith 
nurtured  with  more  tenderness  than  in  British 
India.  While  it  is  suft'ering  concussion  in  ev- 
ery other  part  of  the  world,  even  to  Mecca  its 
centre  (as  by  a concurring  Providence  toward 
its  final  abolition,)  here  it  is  fostered  in  the 
peaceful  lap  of  Christian  liberality.”  And 
then  I signified,  that,  instead  of  cherishing  this 
spirit,  a wise  policy  required  that  we  should 
repress  it.  The  means  by  which  we  might  s» 
repress  it  I had  just  before  pointed  out.  “Is 
it  then  good  policy  to  clierisli  a vindictive  re- 
ligion in  the  bosom  of  the  empire  for  ever.^ 
Would  it  not  accord  with  the  dictates  of  the 
soundest  wisdom,  to  allow  Christian  Schools  to 
be  established,  where  the  children  of  poor  Mah- 
oraedaws  might  learn  another  temper  ; the  good 
effects  of  which  would  be  felt  before  one  genera-^ 
tion  pass  away?  The  adult  Hindoo  will  hard- 
ly depart  from  his  idol,  or  the  Mahamedan 


68 


REMARKS. 


from  Ills  pronhrt  in  !iis  old  a"e ; hnt  his  chil- 
dren, when  left  destitute,  may  Ije  bron^iit  up 
Christians,  if  the  Brltisli  I’arliarnent  please.” 

That  is  the  kind  of  force  I would  recommend, 
and  which  1 explained  ; namely,  the  persuasive 
force  of  Ci  rislian  Instruelion,  exerted  on  in- 
fant and  ji'venii  minds.  U is  somewhat  re- 
markable, that  when  tijree  xmlumes  which  I- 
have  published  coueernin;^  the  Kasi.  ree.om- 
mejid,  in  almost  every  paj^e,  the  appointed  aiul 
lei^-itimate  means  «f  coiiveP'ion,  vi/.  Preach- 
ing am!  the  Word  of  GodP  there  shonid  be  any 
person  who  would  contend,  that  a single  line  of 
<lubioi3s  import  must  necessarily  contradict  ail 
the  rest.  When  men  of  adverse  sentiments 
fasten  on  a single  word  in  i hook,  it  is  a snre 
sign  that  they  are  overwhelmed  by  its  argil- 
inents,  awed  by  its  truth,  and  encumbered  with 
an  expiring  cause.* 

9.  We  non'  come  to  the  consideration  of  the 
ohnoxiods  pamphlets. — I'he  Bengal  Govern- 
ment have  transmitted  three  to  England,  w hieh 
they  mark  A.  B.  and  C.  and  which  they  desig- 

* I was  not  a little  surprised  to  bear  that  an  Honor- 
able Member  had  stated  seriously,  in  t!ie  House  of 
Commons,  Itiat  I had  recommended  that  the  natives  of 
India  should  be  converted  by  Force.  I only  can  account 
for  this  by  supposing  that  .some  perso.n  had  tohl  him  it 
was  so  ; and  that  he  had  never  read  a word  which  I 
had  written  on  ti.e  subjtct.  T,  could  hardly  propose 
that  30,000  men  slionkl  di'aw  the  s\^■ol■d  on  hf'.v  milli- 
on, and  impose  a faith  ! And  }et  tliis  is  wliat  the  in- 
sinuation means,  if  it  means  any  thing’.  But  again, 
supposing  that  I liad  made  such  a prtjposal,  would  tins 
have  been  the  way  to  recommend  my  objects,  concern- 
ing InJia,  to  the  British  Nation  ? 


REMARKS. 


89 


Rate  to  be  “ the  most  material,”  that  is,  the 
most  exceptionable,  of  them  all.  Of  these  the 
only  reprehensible  Tract,  in  my  judgment,  is 
C.  the  ‘‘  Rise  of  Wisdom.”  It  is  a small  poem 
of  six  pages,  and  was  composed  by  a Bengalee 
Poet.  The  Bengal  Government  observe  upon 
it,  tiiat  “ it  was  excluded  froas  general  perusal, 
by  the  abstruseiiess  of  metrical  composition.” 
It  is  merely  a satire  on  the  Brahmins,  and  was 
a very  unworthy  instrument  to  be  used  in  Chris- 
tian Conversion  ; — and  such  the  Missionaries 
themselves  acknowledged  it  to  be. — The  Tract 
marked  x\.  is  entitled  The  Distinction,”  or 
difterence  between  the  characters  of  Chrishna 
and  Christ,  It  is  entirely  unexceptionable  in 
sentiment  and  language. — The  Tract  marked 
B.  is  that  beautiful  little  piece,  submitted  with 
the  rest  to  the  Imperial  Parliament,  entitled 
“ The  Forerunner  of  the  Bilile.”  Though  tor- 
tured in  the  translation,  it  contains  some  strik- 
ing and  eloquent  passages.*  I have  read  every 
word  of  this  piece,  and  hesitate  not  to  declare, 
that  on  the  same  principle  that  a tribunal  could 
condemn  the  “ Forerunner  of  the  Bible,”  they 
might  have  condemned  the  Sermons  of  Arch- 
bishop Tillotson.  On  the  same  principle 
that  they  condemned  the  “ Forerunner  of  the 
Bible,”  they  might  have  eondcnnied  the  Lord’s 
Prayer Hallowed  be  t.hy  name  !”  “No,” 

* Of  these  the  following  is  one  Referring  to  the 
inysterv  of  “ God  having  become  man,”  with  allusion 
to  the  Hindoo  incarnations  : “ There  was  an  incarnation 
of  Jksus,  the  Protector  of  tlie  unprotected,  full  of  the 
splendour  of  Cod,  having-  been  sepai-ated  from  his  bojiy 
in  a column  of  splendour  before  him.” 

8* 


00 


remarks. 


says  llie  Rrahuiin  : let  tlie  name  of  Bralimft 
be  hallowed  — -“Thy  kingdom  eoFne 
says  the  JMaiiomcdan,  “ Jet  ^iahonict^s,  not 
Christ’s,  king«io;Ti  come.” — But  that  tlie  public 
may  have  competent  means  of  forming  a jiidg- 
ineiit  on  the  subject,  a copy  of  the  Tract  is 
subjoined  for  tiieir  perusal. — See  Appendix. 
No.  VI.* 

10.  Another  subject  of  inquiry  is,  whether 
there  was  any  commotion  in  Bengal,  in  conse- 
quence of  tl)e  preaching  of  the  Missionaries, 
to  warrant  the  proceedings  against  them.  The 
Government  do  not  ailedge  that  there  was  any 

* When  the  “Forerunner  of  the  Bible”  came  before 
the  Court  of  Directors,  they  seem  to  iiave  been  at  some 
loss  v'hut  to  say  on  it.  As  it  had  come  so  fur,  charg*.  d 
with  crime,  they  thought  of  course  that  it  must  coniain 
sometliing  wrong : but  yet  theA'  had  doubts,  hi  justice 
to  the  Honourable  Court,  tlieir  sensations  of  difficulty 
will  be  stated  in  their  own  words.  “ Perhaps,”  say 
tliey,  in  answQi’  to  the  Bengal  Government,  “son  e 
doubt  might  be  fairly  entertained  whether  a considera- 
ble part  of  the  paper  marked  B.  was  of  a r.atine  to 
have  excited  sim  lar  feelings  (that  is,  to  have  alurmtd 
the  religious  pn  jud  ces  of  the  natives)  if  the  otlier 
publications  did  noi  p;Cp:ue  -be  mind  to  receive  Arith 
some  jealousy  any  works  wldcti  issued  from  the  san  e 
press.  In  suggestirg  the  possibilil}*  of  this  doubt,  we 
by  no  means  ir^nd  to  convey  any  disapprobation  of 
that  pnident  precaution  which  led  you  to  m event  the 
further  publication  of  this  last  (the  paper  B ) together 
with  those  wliich  appear  to  us  to  be  more  unquestioiiabi y 
exceptionable.  It  is  a matter  of  great  difScuiiy  to 
draw  the  line  which  sliould  at  once  describe  and  cha- 
racterize the  publications  Avliith  might  be  permitted  -o 
be  considered  as  inoiiensive and,  at  the  same  lime, 
distinguish  them  from  those  which  a propci-  precauticii. 
would  suppress.” — East -India  J^epers,  ./\b.  l-ll,  p-  72. 


REMARKS. 


ComiVsotion.  They  hint,  indeeJ,  tliat  there  was 

an  incipient  irritation  in  the  minds  of  the  na- 
tive public  but  they  evidently  make  no  ac- 
count of  this  surmise;  otherwise  it  would  have 
appeared  in  a more  imposing  form.  It  was  as- 
serted, at  the  time,  that  the  people  were  “ in  a 
state  of  rJiiiost  tor])id  tranquillity.”  When  the 
Missionaries  preaclied  in  their  chapel  in  Cal- 
cutta, there  were,  of  cotirse,  always  a few  na- 
tives around  the  door ; but,  during  the  whole 
period  of  my  residence  in  that  city,  I never 
heard  of  more  than  one  instance  of  the  natives 
insulting  the  preacher,  b\  the  manner  in  w hich 
Englishmen  sometimes  insult  a Dissenting  Cha- 
pel in-Eugland.  But  1 have  heard  of  dissolute 
Engl  is  li  men  disturbing  the  Mission  Chapel  in 
Cuieutta. 

The  parallel  drawn  by  t!ie  Bengal  Govern- 
ment, ‘‘between  the  Protestant  Missionaries 
preacliing  to  Hindoos,  and  Jews  and  Roman 
Catholics  ill  England  trying  to  convert  Protes- 
tants,” is  curioijs.  Tliey  seem  to  tiiiuk  that 
Jews  and  Roman  Catholics  dare  not  try  to  con- 
vert Protestants,  ‘‘  by  preaching  publicly  and 
indi-icriminately  to  his  Majesty’s  Protestant  sub- 
jects,” partieuiarly  if  they  use  “opprobrious  and 
odensive  terms  ;”  and  that  if  they  were  to  do  so, 
the  magistrate  might  “ intervene,  and  silence” 
tliem.  Bat  I beg  leave  most  respectfully  to  of- 
fer if  as  my  opinion,  that  Jews  and  Roman 
Catholics  may  try  to  convert  his  Majesty’s  liege 
Protestant  subjects,  “jKibiiely  and  indiscrimi- 
nately,” and  in  “ opprobrious  and  oftensive 
terms  too,”  whenever  they  please  and  fur- 

* As  Peter  Gandolphy  the  Catholic,  and  David  Lovi 
the  Jew,  well  know. 


93 


REMARKS. 


ther,  that  if  the  magistrate  were  to  seize  thrir 
bodies  for  such  offence,  the  news.of  the  event 
vould  soon  reach  the  Kast  Indies. 

11.  If,  then,  there  was  no  commotion  among 
the  people  in  Bengal,  what  was  the  cause  of 
the  proceedings  against  the  Missionaries  ? 'I'he 
massacre  of  Vellore— the  fatal  massacre  of 
Vellore.  That  event,  which  had  taken  place 
upwards  of  a year  before,  had  filled  the  minds 
of  the  rulers  of  India  (as  it  well  might)  with 
apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  the  English  do- 
minion. It  was  some  time  before  Christianity 
was  thought  of  as  being  a cause  of  that  event ; 
but  as  soon  as  the  suspicion  was  presented  to 
the  mind,  it  was  eagerly  entertained,  and  spee- 
dily magnified  (in  some  imaginations)  to  a cer- 
tainty. This  jealousy  of  Christianity  was  far- 
ther inflamed  by  communications  from  England 
— by  heart-sickening,  criminatory  communica- 
tions. Those  who  were  at  the  helm  of  aftairs 
thought  that  something  ought  to  be  done ; but 
what  to  do  they  knew'  not.  The  ship  of  the 
slate  w as  in  danger,  agitated  by  the  waves  ; 
and,  like  infatuated  mariners  in  a storm,  they 
resolved  to  throw  out  the  compass  and  quad- 
rant, to  lighten  the  vessel. 

To  prove  the  sensations  of  alarm  concerning 
Christianity  w hich  the  Bengal  Government  suf- 
fered about  that  period,  it  is  only  necessary  to 
refer  to  their  letter  to  the  Court  of  Directors  of 
Nov.  2,  1807,  containing  their  proceedings  re- 
specting the  Missionaries.  In  that  dispatch, 
they  declare  without  qualification,  That  the 
industrious  propagation  of  a belief  that  tlie 
British  Government  entertained  the  design  of 


REMARKS. 


93 


converting  its  native  subjects  to  Cliristianity, 
w as  rendered  the  f^jficient  iiisti'ument  of  the  inavS- 
sacre  of  V ellore.”  After  the  evidence  w liich 
lias  been  laid  before  the  nation  on  this  subject^ 
I need  make  no  eoninieiit  on  tiie  foregoing  pro- 
position. But  it  may  be  proper,  for  tlie  satisfac- 
tion of  tliose  persons  who  are  not  fully  acquaint- 
ed with  t!ie  facts,  to  adduce  tlie  evidence  of  a 
competent  authority,  from  -vliose  judgment 
there  can  hardly  be  any  appeal  on  this  subject  5 
but  whose  teslintmiy  the  Bengal  Government 
had  not  an  opportunity  of  seeing,  when  they 
wrote  the  above  letter.  I allude  to  the  ofiiciai 
declaraiion  of  General  Hay  M’Dovvall,  Cor.i- 
niander  in  Chief  of  tlie  Ma<lras  Army.  In  his 
letter  to  the  Governor  and  Cofsncil  of  the  Pre- 
sidency of  Fort  Bt.  George,  dated  IMadras, 
?^ov.  19,  1807,  nearly  a year  and  a half  after 
the  mutiny,  lie  delivers  it  as  the  result  of  the 
whole  evidence  which  had  passed  under  his  re- 
view, ‘Mhat  the  rumour  alluded  to*’  (viz.  that 
the  British  Government  entertained  the  design 
of  converting  its  native  subjects  to  Christiani- 
ty) “ was  by  no  means  general,  and  except  at 
Hydrabad  it  had  made  little  or  no  impression.” 
But,  what  is  most  remarkable,  the  Commander 
ill  Chief  grounds  on  tlie  circumstances  of  this 
mutiny  a proposal  to  the  Government  to  build 
Christian  churches.  Alluding  to  tlie  in- 
diifereiice  of  Europeans  which  is  manifested  a-s 
to  the  adoration  of  the  Supreme  Being,”  and 
to  the  absurility  of  supposing  that  (he  natives 
should  apprehend  any  religious  interference 
from  ••  persons  who  apparently  conduct  t hem- 
selves  with  so  much  apatliy  in  respect  to  w hat 


91 


REMARKS. 


coliceriis  religious  worship  he  observes,  that 
this  iudifF>irenee,  particularly  in  the  army,  is 
owing  to  the  want  of  churches.  He  then  adds: 
‘‘  I trust  I shall  he  excused  if  I suggest  the 
propriety  of  having  convenient  chapels,  of  mod- 
erate price,  constructed  in  all  situations  within 
the  Couipany’s  territories,  where  European 
troops  are  likely  to  be  quartered.  Whatever 
may  be  urged  to  the  contrary,  I am  convinced 
that  siich  an  improvement,  independent  of  the 
obvious  advantages,  wuiild  render  the  British 
characUr  more  respected  by  the  natives,  and  be 
attended  bynn  evil  consequences.” — The  whole 
letter  of  General  M’Dowall,  and  tlie  Resolu- 
tions of  Government  thereon,  will  be  given  for 
the  satisfaction  of  tlie  reader.  [See  Appen- 
dix, No.  IIl.J  But  the  observations  of  his  pre- 
decessor, General  Sir  John  Cradock,  mark,  in 
a yet  more  absolute  manner,  the  absence  of 
Christianity  from  the  English  troops  in  India. 
In  an  official  communication  to  Government  af- 
ter the  massacre  of  Vellore,  he  thus  writes : 

In  no  situation  has  so  much  toleration,  and 
such  an  unlimited  freedom  of  religious  opin- 
ions and  ceremonials,  been  displayed  as  under 
the  British  Gov'ernment  in  India  ; and  in  no 
situation  have  so  few  measures  been  pursued 
by  British  subjects,  for  the  conversion  of  the 
people  to  the  religion  which  we  profess.  No 
Englishmen  have  hitherto  been  employed  on 
this  duty  in  the  provinces  of  the  Peninsula; 
and,  from  the  almost  total  absence  of  religious 
establishments  in  the  interior  of  the  country, 
and  from  the  habits  of  life  prevalent  among 
military  men,  it  is  a melancholy  truth,  that  sa 


REMARKS. 


95 


uftfrequent  are  the  religious  observances  of  Of- 
ficers doing  doty  with  battalions,  that  the  Se- 
poys have  not,  until  very  lately,  discovered  the 
nature*  of  the  religion  professed  by  the  Eng- 
lish.”— East  India  Papers,  No.  ±94;,  p.  5. 

12.  The  second  assumption,  on  which  the 
Bengal  Government  lest  their  justification,  js, 
“ That  they  were  by  no  means  hostile  to  the 
introduction  of  Christianity  into  India.”  I am 
satisfied  that  they  are  favourable  to  the  diftu- 
sion  of  Christianity  at  this  present  time ; but, 
in  regard  to  their  sentiments  at  a former  period, 
any  further  observation  is  rendered  quite  un- 
necessary, after  liie  disclosure  that  has  been 
made  by  the  publication  of  the  Indian  corres- 
pondence. 

In  their  letter  of  the  2d  Nov.  1807,  before 
quoted,  they  suggest  to  the  Honourable  Court 
to  discourage  any  accession  to  the  number  of 
Missionaries  actually  employed,  under  the  pro- 
tection of  the  British  Government  in  India,  in 
the  work  of  conversion.'^'^  This  suggestion  ful- 
ly developes  the  feeling  of  that  period.  Those 
Missionaries  who  are  now  here  we  will  re- 
strain : you  will  be  pleased  to  discourage  any 
accession  to  the  number  ; so  Brahma  will  enjoy 
an  eternal  reign.  The  Honourable  Court  seem 
to  have  been  a little  distressed  at  the  perusal  of 
this  suggestion: — they  replied  to  it  in  the  fol- 
lowing terms : 

Having  explained  to  you,  as  briefly  as  pos- 
sible, the  principles  on  which  we  wish  you  to 
act  with  regard  to  the  Missionaries,  it  remains 

* Query  j Honv,  w])en,  and  wdiere  they  discovered  it  i 


96 


KRMARKS. 


for  IIS  only  to  advert  to  your  suggestion,  ‘ tliat 
Wii  should  discourage  any  accession  to  the  num- 
ber ot*  Missionaries  actually  employed,  under 
the  British  Government  in  India,  in  the  work 
of  conversion.’  You  are,  of  course,  aware 
that  many  of  the  meritorious  individuals  who 
have  devoted  theinselv'cs  to  those  labours,  were 
not  British  subjects,  or  liv  ing  under  our  autho- 
rity, and  that  none  of  tlie  Missionaries  have 
proceeded  to  Bengal  with  our  licence.” 

13.  It  remains  tiiat  we  notice  the  reception 
which  the  Letter  of  the  Bengal  Government,  in 
answer  to  my  Mepiorial,  met  with  in  England ; 
first,  from  the  Court  of  Directors  ; and  second- 
ly, from  the  Board  of  Controul. 

The  Court  of  Directors  made  no  observation 
upon  it  at  all  ; being  content  to  insert  a single 
paragraph  communicated  to  them  by  the  Board 
of  Controiil.*  But  the  reply  which  the  Hon- 


* The  Honourable  Court  mi^ht  have  been  reluctant 
to  convey  any  special  ceiisiii-e  for  my  endeavors  to  pro- 
mote religion  in  India,  from  die  consideration  tJiatthcy 
had,  on  in}'  first  going  to  that  country,  ivcommended 
tile  intei*ests  of  Chi-istianity  strongly  to  my  attention. 
Wl»en  I was  appointed  a Cliapialn  tor  Bengal,  in  1796, 
I received  a public  charge  from  the  Court  of  Directors 
on  the  occasion.  I was  desired  to  attend  the  Court  in 
iny  ciericid  robes  ; and  the  Chairman,  Sir  Stephen  Lush- 
inglon,  addressed  me  on  the  importance  of  my  office, 
and  on  llie  duties  imposed  on  a niini.ster  of  religion  in 
India.  His  speech,  wliich  was  Qvidently.composed  with 
much  care,  occupied  about  a quarter  of  an  hour  or 
more  in  the  delivery.  The  venerable  Baronet  ob.serveci, 
'(hat  French  principles  were  sapping  t!ie  foundations  of 
Christianity  and  of  .social  order;  and  heearn6si\  in- 
culcated on  vac  the  duly  of  defending  ami  n.oa-.otiiig 


REMARKS. 


©r 

•urable  Court  made  to  the  contemporaneous 
letter  of  the  Bengal  Government,  detailing  their 
proceedings  concerning  the  Missionaries,  must 
not  be  passed  over.  The  Honourable  Court 
firs^-  praises  the  conduct  of  their  Indian  Govern- 
ment generally,  and  then  proposes  a different 
mode  of  proceeding  for  their  governance  in 
future.  “ If,”  say  they,  “ you  had  foreseen 
that  the  li^issionaries  would  have  shewn  that 
entire  and  re.’^dy  subraissiveness  to  Government 
which  their  conduct  has  manifested,  we  think 
you  would  have  doubted  of  the  expediency  of 
holding,  under  the'  circumstances  you  have  de- 
scribed, a PUBLIC  PROCEEDING  upon  thcif 

the  principles  of  the  Christia'V  Religion,  by  every  pro- 
per means,  I was  much  affecv^ed  by  the  solemnity  of 
the  occasion,  and  by  the  energy  ai?cl  feeling  with  which 
the  address  was  delivered ; and  the  subject  of  the 
charge  itself  made  a great  impression  .'>n  my  mind,  par- 
ticularly when  meditating  on  it  afterwards,  during  my 
voyage.  I trust  that  my  whole  life  in  Inuua  has  been 
one  continued  act  of  obedience  to  that  charg'e-  If  the 
public  have  received  any  useful  information,  or  the 
cause  of  truth  any  support  from  my  writings,  5t  has 
been  owing,  in  a great  degree,  to  that  admonitory  ad- 
dress, delivered  to  me  soon  after  my  leaving  Colleg'e 
and  entering  on  the  ministerial  office.  I doubt  not  that' 
some  of  the  members  of  the  Honorable  Court  have  the 
•circumstance  in  their  recollection.  I well  remember  a 
gentleman  who  was  then,  and  is  now,  a Director,  com- 
ing into  the  Waiting  Room,  after  I had  withdrawn  from 
the  Court,  and  telling  me  that  the  Directors  had  been 
congratulating  their  Chahman  on  his  “ excellent  ser- 
mon.” It  will  be  satisfactory  to  the  public  to  see  that 
my  endeavours  to  promote  Christianity  in  India  (in  any 
degree  that  these  may  have  been  approved)  originated 
in  an  especial  manner  with  the  E.  India  Company  itself. 


REMARKS. 


transactions.  And  we  would  only  suggest, 
that  if,  on  any  future  occasion,  any  fresh  pre- 
cautionary measures  should  become  indispensa- 
ble, it  would  be  desirable,  in  the  first  instance 
at  least,  to  see  whether  a private  communica- 
tion from  the  Governor  General  might  n<>t  ef- 
fect all  that  is  desired,  without  bringing  into 
view  the  instrumentality  of  Government.”— 
We  rely  on  your  discretion  tliat  you  will  al^- 
stain  from  all  unnecessary  or  OL3ter.fatious  inter- 
ference with  their  proceedings.” — The  whole 
letter  is  highly  creditable  to  the  judgment  of 
the  Court  of  Directors  of  the  East  India  Com- 
pany. It  is  a model  for  official  writing  and 
temperate  rebuke.  But  its  highest  praise  is, 
with  one  exception,  that  it  maintains  just  and 
dignified  views  concerning  the  extension  of 
Christianity  in  Inaia,  both  in  relation  to  the 
well-being  of  th^-  natives  and  to  the  security  of 
the  British  Government.* 

The  Boat'd  of  Controul  penned  a brief  reply, 
containing  the  following  sentence,  written  with 
great  spirit  and  with  good  temper: — “We 
shall  content  ourselves  at  present  with  remark- 
ing, that  Dr.  Buchanan,  as  well  as  all  other  Ec- 
clesiastics who  promulgate  the  doctrines  of 
Christianity  in  India,  and  who  bestow  such 
just  and  merited  encomiums  on  the  conduct  of 
the  Missionary  Swartz,  would  do  well  to 
adopt  it  as  the  model  of  their  own  5 and  should 
always  recollect  that  discretion  and  moderation, 
in  their  language  and  actions,  are  most  con- 
sistent with  the  mild  spirit  of  our  religion,  and 


See  the  Letter,  Xo,  II.  Appendix. 


REMARKS. 


99 


are  indispensably  requisite  for  those  who  are 
employed  in  prosecuting  the  laborious  work  of 
conversion.” 

The  Board  of  Controul  probably  did  not  in- 
tend it;  but  they  may  be  assured  that  the  Sec- 
retaries in  Bengal,  on  the  first  view  of  the 
above  conspicuous  eulogiiim  on  Swartz,  would  ’ 
instinctively  say,  “ That  is  intended  for  us, 
because  we  suppressed,  in  the  Calcutta  Gazette, 
the  encomium  on  Swartz  transmitted  by  the 
Court  of  Directors.” 

As  for  myself,  I regret  that  this  salutary  ad- 
monition, penned  in  1808,  should  not  have  been 
conveyed  to  me  sooner  than  last  week,  when  it 
was  printed  by  tlie  Honourable  the  House  of 
Commons.  But  it  is  good  advice  at  all  times. 

I have  now  only  to  say,  that  1 shall  ever  be 
happy  to  sufier  a little  disparagement,  if  it 
tend  to  the  exaltation^  of  so  excellent  and  ex- 
emplary a character  as  the  Missionary  alluded 
to.  I will  further  add,  that  I hardly  know  a 
circumstance  which  could  have  given  me  great- 
er pleasure,  than  to  see  the  British  Government 
and  the  Hast  India  Company  combining  to- 
gether, in  an  official  and  solemn  manner,  to 
propose  to  English  Ecclesiastics  an  imitation 
of  the  conduct  and  example  of  the  apostolic 
Swartz. 


Kirby  Hall,  Borobridge, 
25th  June,  1813.’ 


APPENDIX, 

No.  r. 

Copy  of  a Letter  from  the  Bengal  Governme  nt 
to  the  Secret  Committee  of  the  Court  of  Direc- 
tors, dated  the  7th  December,  ISOT”.  (Ex- 
tracted from  the  East  India  Papers,  printed 
by  order  of  the  House  of  Commons,  wVo.  142, 
jjp.  74 — 79. J 

TO  THE  HON.  THE  SECRET  COMMITTEE  OF 
THE  HON.  THE  COURT  OF  DIRECTORS. 
Honourable  Sirs, 

THE  Governor  General  has  judged  it  to  be 
his  duty  to  communicate  to  the  Board,  a Letter 
and  Memorial  addressed  to  his  Lordship  by  the 
Reverend  Mr.  Buchanan,  one  of  the  Chap- 
lains of  this  Presidency,  in  consequence  of  the 
measures  adopted  by  this  Government,  rela- 
tively to  the  proceedings  of  the  Society  of  Mis- 
sionaries for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel, 
((he  details  of  which  we  had  the  honour  to  re- 
port to  your  Honourable  Committee  in  our 
despatch  of  the  2d  ultimo.)  That  Memorial, 
containing  animadversions  on  the  measures  to 
which  we  have  adverted,  introduced  in  a man- 
ner which  we  consider  to  be  personally  disre- 
spectful to  the  Governor  General,  as  well  as 


APPENDIX. 


101 


dissespaetful  lo  the  Government,  and  ascribing 
to  both,  motives  and  principles  of  action,  of  a 
nature  injurious  to  the  character  of  the  British 
Administration  in  India;  we  deem  it  proper  to 
transmit  to  your  Honourable  Committee  tlie 
enclosed  copies  of  that  Letter  and  Memorial, 
and  at  the  same  time  to  state  such  observations 
as  the  tenor  of  the  latter  appears  to  us  to  ren- 
der necessary. 

2,  Of  the  acts  which  Mr.  Buchanan  has 
stated  as  the  acts  of  the  British  Government  in, 
India,  and  the  circumstances  of  wdiich  Mr. 
Buchanan  has  explained  and  censured,  under 
the  present  Governor  General’s  supposed  igno- 
rance of  them,  the  principal  are  those  which 
formed  the  subject  of  our  despatch  to  your 
Honourable  Committee  of  the  2d  ultimo  ; and 
all  are  referred  ostensibly  to  the  prejudices  and 
counsel  of  the  officers  of  Government;  and  Mr. 
Buchanan  has  ascribed  to  the  late  and  present 
Government  the  adoption  of  measures  directed 
to  the  object  of  opposing  the  progress  of  Chris- 
tianity in  India,  on  the  foundation  of  opinions 
inculcated  by  its  officers.  The  comments  on 
the  late  measures  of  the  present  administration, 
contained  in  Mr.  Buchanan’s  Memorial,  are 
founded  on  the  disrespectful  and  unauthorized 
presumption,  that  the  Governor  General,  re- 
gardless of  the  first  principle  of  his  public  duty, 
has  blindly  submitted  to  the  guidance  of  the 
subordinate  officers  of  Government,  and  adop- 
ted measures  of  the  highest  importance,  with- 
out a previous  consideration  of  their  origin  and 
tendency,  and  even  without  a previous  knowl- 
edge of  the  nature  of  them  ; and  your  Honoara» 
9* 


20Q 


APPENDIX. 


ble  Committee  %ull  observe,  that  Mr.  Buehan> 
ail  has  described  to  his  Lordship,  as  points  of 
in  f ormation,  acts  and  opinions  sanctioned  by 
his  own  oihcial  signature  as  Governor  General 
in  Council. 

3.  It  cannot,  however,  escape  observation, 
tkat  the  real  design  of  the  Memorial  is  to  im- 
pute to  the  Government  these  principles  of  ac- 
tion which  are  ostensibly  ascribed  to  its  oili- 
cers ; and  under  any  circumstances,  it  is  in- 
cumbent on  us  to  obviate  a misconception  of  the 
motives  and  objects  of  the  recent  measures  of 
this  Government,  which  a perusal  of  the  Me- 
morial might  occasion,  if  the  errors  of  its  state- 
ments should  remain  unexplained. 

4.  With  this  view  it  is  not  necessary  to  en- 
ter into  a discussion  of  the  accuracy  of  all  the 
facts  alleged  by  Mr.  Buchanan.  It  will  be 
sirfticient  to  notice  those  leading  points  of  the 
Memorial  on  which  is  founded  the  extraordina- 
ry imputation  of  a systematic  design,  and  an 
actual  attempt,  on  the  part  of  the  present  Ad- 
ministration, to  support  the  interests  of  the  re- 
ligions of  this  country,  by  preventing  the  dif- 
fusion of  Christianity  within  the  limits  of  the 
British  dominions  in  India. 

3.  Mr.  Buchanan  has  contrasted  the  en- 
couragement afforded  to  the  propagation  of 
Christianity  under  former  Gpveriimeufs,  with 
a supposed  opposition  to  it  under  the  last  and 
present  Administrations.  It  will  be  found, 
however,  that  those  proceedings  of  the  Mis- 
sionaries which  have  attracted  the  attention  of 
this  Government,  are  of  a character  entirely 
new',  or  such  at  least  as  had  not  come  under  the 


APPENDIX. 


203 


observation. of  Government.  We  allude  to  the 
practice  of  public  preaching  in  the  native 
language  at  the  seat  of  Government,  and  fo 
the  circulation  of  printed  works  in  the  same 
languages,  on  topics  and  in  terms  grossly  of- 
fensive to  the  religious  prejudices  of  bur  na- 
tive  subjects, 

6.  With  respect  to  the  practice  of  public 
preaching  to  the  unconverted  natives  of  this 
country,  on  topics  of  this  nature,  we  deem  the 
prohibition  of  it  to  be  consistent  with  the 
principles  and  practice  of  those  countries  in 
w hich  the  most  liberal  toleration  is  established 
for  all  religions,  and  consonant  specilicaliy 
with  the  principles  and  practice  of  the  British 
Government  and  nation.  In  England,  persons 
who  profess  the  Roman  Catholic  faith  may  as- 
semble and  assist  at  the  performance  of  the 
rights  of  their  religion  in  their  own  chapels, 
without  opposition  or  molestation  from  the 
Government.  So  may  the  Jews  celebrate  the 
rites  of  their  religion  in  their  own  synagogues  ; 
hut  we  do  not  conceive  the  Catholic  or  Jewish 
priests  have  ever  claimed  a right  to  preach 
publicly,  not  to  their  own  flocks,  but  indis- 
criminately to  his  Majesty’s  Protestant  sub- 
jects, discourses  for  the  express  purpose  of 
converting  that  whole  Protestant  and  Christian 
nation  to  the  Catholic  or  Jewish  religion  ; 
much  less,  publicly  to  revile  and  insult,  in  the 
most  opprobrious  and  ofteiisive  terras,  the  tenets 
and  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England.  If 
any  indiscreet  enthusiast  of  either  of  the  per- 
suasions above  mentioned  should  hold  a conduct 
so  imprudent  and  so  unjustifiable,  and  the  mag- 


appendix. 


lOi 

isirate  should  intervene  and  silence  him,  as  lie 
unquestionably  would,  we  are  persuaded  that 
so  reasonable  an  interposition  of  the  magistrate 
would  neither  fall  within  the  real  and  odious 
principle  of  persecution,  nor  experience  that 
\inraerited  reproach  from  the  mouths  of  the 
rational  and  ingenuous  members  of  the  religion 
attempted  to  be  propagated  in  that  manner. 
The  late  prohibition  of  public  preaching  in  the 
native  languages  at  Calcutta,  was  given  occa- 
sion to,  and  rendered  indispensable,  by  prac- 
tices similar  to  those  which  we  have  just  de- 
scribed ; and  was  called  for,  also,  by  some  pe- 
culiarities in  the  present  times  too  obvious  to 
need  explanation  ; as  well  as  by  some  actual 
indications  of  solicitude  and  incipient  irritation 
in  the  minds  of  the  native  public  of  this  city, 
in  consequence  of  those  provocations. 

7.  Whetlier  some  regulation  may  not  be  de- 
vised, under  which  the  celebration  of  public 
worship,  and  the  decent  performance  of  the 
Christian  rites,  may  be  allowed  to  native  Chris- 
tians, is  an  interesting  point,  to  which  we  are 
neither  indifterent  nor  inattentive.  The  in- 
discreet mode  in  which  those  duties  were  late- 
ly administered,  coupled  with  other  considera- 
tions of  an  occasional  and  we  trust  temporary 
nature,  required  in  our  judgment,  for  the  mo- 
ment, the  immediate  suspension  of  a practice 
which,  in  the  form  then  given  to  it,  threatened 
consequences  prejudicial  to  the  public  repose, 
and  not  less  adverse  to  the  success  of  the  pious 
purpose  proposed  by  the  Missionaries  them- 
selves. 

S.  In  India,  considerations  of  public  safety 
are  superadded,  in  a more  than  ordinary  de- 


APPENDIX. 


20  S 


gree,  ttf  obligation  contracted  by  Govern- 
ment of  protecting  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
the  subject ; Knd  we  cannot  doubt  that  the  wis- 
dom of  evary  former  administration  in  India 
would  have  suggested  the  necessity  of  prohibit- 
ing this  pracljce,  if  known  to  prevail  in  tlie 
maimer  in  w Inch  it  recently  prevailed  in  the 
seat  of  Governmei?t. 

9.  Mr.  Buchanan,  by  tke  tenor  of  his  ^fe- 
morial,  has  permitted  a conciiision  to  be  drawn, 
that  printed  works,  of  the  natare  described  in 
the  5th  paragraph  of  this  despatch,  have  been 
circulated  under  former  Governments  without 
opposition  or  controul,  and  that  the  suppres- 
sion of  them  is  an  innovation  in  principle,  as 
well  as  in  act,  upon  the  practice  of  preceding 
administrations.  The  existing  restrictions  np- 
on  the  press  in  India,  however,  have  been  in 
force  during  a long  coarse  of  years  | and  it 
cannot  be  supposed  that  any  former  adminis- 
tration would  have  deemed  it  consistent  with 
the  public  safety,  or  w ith  the  oMigation  of  pub- 
lic faith,  as  pledged  to  the  native  subjects  of 
the  Company,  for  the  unmolested  exercise  of 
their  religions,  to  permit  the  circulation  of 
such  inflammatory  works  as  those  which  we 
have  lately  had  occasion  to  bring  under  the  no- 
tice of  your  Honourable  Committee.  In  sup- 
port of  this  opinion,  we  deem  it  proper  to  state  ' 
the  circumstances  of  a transaction  which  oc- 
curred during  the  administration  of  Marquis 
M ellesley,  analagoiis  to  the  proceedings  of  the 
present  Government  in  suppressing  the  public 
discussion,  either  by  preaching  or  by  printed 
works,  ot  topics  offensive  to  the  religions  of 
our  native  subjects.. 


106 


APPENDIX. 


10.  In  the  year  1801,  the  followirl^  subject 
of  disputation,  in  the  College  of  Fort  William, 
lia  viiig  been  proposed,  viz.  ‘‘  The  advantage 
'which  the  natives  of  this  country  might  derive 
from  translations,  in  the  vernacular  tongues, 
of  the  books  containing  the  principles  of  their 
respective  religions,  and  those  of  the  Christian 
faith the  prepared  discussion  of  which  sub- 
ject was  reported  to  involve  topics  ofiensive  to 
the  religious  prejudices  of  the  class  of  Ma- 
homedans  ; a number  of  the  most  respectable 
and  learned  of  the  Mussulman  inhabitants  of 
Calcutta  addressed  a memorial  to  the  Governor 
General,  Marquis  Wellesley,  remonstrating 
against  this  supposed  infringement  of  the  une- 
quivocal toleration  which  they  acknowledged 
with  gratitude  the  Government  had  till  then 
aftorded  to  the  unmolested  exercise  of  the  re- 
ligions of  its  subjects.  In  reply  to  this  me- 
morial, a declaration  was  addressed  to  the  me- 
morialists, in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  Governor  General ; in  which,  after  advert- 
ing, as  a fundamental  principle  of  the  British 
Government,  to  the  solicitude  with  which  Gov- 
ernment not  only  abstained  from  all  interference 
in  the  religious  concerns  of  its  Mussulman  and 
Hindoo  subjects,  and  from  any  endeavour  to 
disturb  tbeir  faith  or  to  impede  that  full  and 
free  exercise  of  their  respective  religions  which 
they  enjoyed  under  the  Mussulman  Govern- 
ment, but  even  afforded  additional  facilities  to 
them  in  the  observance  of  all  the  rites,  cere- 
monies, and  duties  of  their  respective  persua- 
sions; and  after  explaining  to  the  memorialists 
the  error  of  their  apprehensions  regarding  tha 


APPENDIX. 


107 


object  and  design  of  the  disputation  which  had 
been  proposed,  and  the  real  purpose  of  the  dis- 
putations annually  holden  in  the  College  of 
Fort  William,  and  assuring  the  memorialists 
that  the  examination  of  any  question  whatever 
connected  with  the  interests  of  religion,  and 
especially  the  degradation  of  the  religions  of 
this  country  and  the  propagation  of  the  Chris- 
tian faith,  were  entirely  foreign  to  the  objects 
of  the  institution,  the  Governor  General  signi- 
fied to  the  memorialists,  that  although,  on  pe-  , 
rusing  the  proposed  thesis,  he  perceived  no 
principle  of  an  objectionable  tendency,  yet  that, 
with  a view  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  any 
apprehension  on  the  part  of  the  natives  of  this 
country  that  it  might  be  the  intention  of  the 
British  Government  to  depart  from  the  system 
of  unlimited  toleration  which  it  had  hitherto 
uniformly  observed,  the  moment  that  the  Gov- 
ernor General  was  apprized  of  the  subject  of 
the  proposed  thesis,  he  issued  orders  positively 
prohibiting  the  disputation  upon  that  thesis  5 
and  copies  of  this  declaration  were  circulated 
to  all  the  principal  stations  under  this  Presi- 
dency, and  to  the  foreign  Residencies,  with  a 
view  to  enable  the  officers  and  representatives 
of  Government  to  counteract  at  those  stations 
any  eventual  alarm  of  the  nature  of  that  which, 
had  been  excited  at  the  Presidency. 

11.  From  this  transaction  may  be  inferred 
not  only  the  effect  which  public  discussions  re- 
specting the  religions  of  the  country  are  calcu- 
lated to  produce,  but  also  the  solicitude  of  that 
very  administration  to  which  Mr.  Buchanan 
has  specially  appealed,  as  encouraging  the  pro- 


108 


APPENDIX. 


pagation  of  the  Christian  faith  in  India,  to 
suppress  discussions  such  as  those  which  we 
have  deemed  it  our  duty  to  prohibit. 

12.  The  composition  of  works  directed  to 
the  object  of  converting  the  natives  to  Christi- 
anity, so  naturally  leads  to  discussions  of  that 
nature,  that  the  evils  resulting  from  the  latter 
must  necesjgarily  be  hazarded  by  an  unrestrain- 
ed toleration  of  the  former ; and  our  decision 
upon  this  new  question  has  been  regulated  not 
by  any  innovation  on  former  established  prin- 
ciples, but  by  those  maxims  of  prudence  and 
precaution  which  the  condition  of  the  British 
establishment  in  this  country  requires,  and  the 
neglect  of  which  w ould,  in  our  decided  judg- 
ment, not  only  expose  to  hazard  the  stability 
of  (he  British  dominion  in  India,  but  would  im- 
pede the  accomplishment  of  the  very  object; 
which  animates  the  pious  labours  of  the  So- 
ciety of  Christian  Missionaries  in  the  w ork  of 
conversion. 

13.  These  consequences  must  he  hazarded 
in  a peculiar  degree  by  a supposed  connection 
between  the  efforts  thus  employed  for  the  con- 
version of  the  natives,  and  the  measures  of  the 
Government,  which,  on  grounds  already  stated, 
have  been  rendered  by  the  highest  prescriptive 
authority,  and  by  the  uniform  practice  of  the 
British  Government  in  India,  systematically 
distinct;  and  in  our  despatch  to  your  Honorable 
Committee,  of  the  2d  ultimo,  w e have  explain- 
ed the  circumstances  which,  in  the  present  con- 
dition of  the  British  power  in  India,  more  than 
fit  any  former  period,  would  tend  to  establish 
in  the  minds  of  the  natives  a belief  of  that  eon- 


APPENDIJit. 


109 


itection  under  the  unlimited  toleration  of  those 
proceedings  on  the  part  of  the  Missionaries 
which  vve  have  deemed  it  our  duty  to  repress. 

14.  The  expediency  and  necessity  of  protect-* 
ing  our  native  subjects  in  the  undisturbed  en- 
joyment of  their  religious  opinions  and  usages, 
and  of  carefully  withholding  the  influence  of 
Government  for  the  support  of  the  endeavours 
of  Missionaries  to  convert  the  natives  to  Chris- 
tianity ; in  other  words,  the  real  principles  of 
action  and  maxims  of  precaution  which  have 
regulated  the  proceedings  of  this  Government 
with  respect  to  the  Missionaries  and  to  the  pro- 
ductions of  their  press,  have  been  recognized 
and  inculcated  in  the  most  forcible  and  explicit 
terms,  in  the  following  extracts  from  the  letter 
of  the  Honourable  the  Court  of  Directors  to  the 
Government  of  Fort  St.  George,  dated  the  29th 
of  May,  on  the  subject  of  the  mutiny  at  Vellore. 

‘‘  In  the  whole  course  of  our  administration 
of  the  Indian  territories,  it  has  been  our  known 
and  declared  principle  to  maintain  a perfect  to- 
leration of  the  various  religious  systems  which 
prevailed  in  it,  to  protect  the  followers  of  each 
in  the  undisturbed  enjoyment  of  their  respective 
opinions  and  usages,  and  neither  to  interfere 
with  them  ourselves,  nor  to  suffer  them  to  be 
molested  by  other s.^^ 

“ When  we  afforded  our  countenance  and 
sanction  to  Missionaries  who  have  from  time  to 
time  proceeded  to  India,  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
pagating the  Christian  Religion,  it  was  far 
iVom  being  in  our  contemplation  to  add  the  in- 
fluence of  our  authority  to  any  attempts  they 
miglit  make  : ft)r  on  the  contraryVe  were  per- 
to 


110 


APPENDIX. 


fectly  aware  that  the  progress  of  real  conver- 
sion wofihJ  be  slow  and  gradital,  arising  more 
from  a conviction  of  the  principles  of  our  reli- 
gion itself,  and  from  the  pious  examples  of  its 
teachers,  than  from  any  undue  influence,  or 
from  the  exertions  of  authority,  which  are  ne- 
ver to  he  resorted  to  in  such  cases.” 

15.  Your  Honourable  Committee  will  be  sa- 
tisfied, by  the  tenor  of  our  present  dispatch,  and 
of  our  despatch  of  the  2d  ultimo,  that  these  are 
precisely  the  principles  which  have  regulated 
our  late  proceedings  with  regard  to  the  Mis- 
sionaries ; and  that  Mr.  Buchanan,  in  ascrib- 
ing to  us  a disposition  hostile  to  Christianity, 
has  assumed  a latitude  of  censure  equally  disre- 
spectful in  its  nature  and  unwarranted  by  facts. 

IG.  With  respect  to  the  injurious  position 
stated  in  Mr.  Buchanan’s  Memorial,  that  under 
the  proceedings  sanctioned  by  this  Government, 
the  tendency  of  publications  directed  to  the  ob- 
ject of  converting  the  natives  is  submitted  to  the 
decision  of  a Mahomedan  or  a Hindoo,  it  is  ob- 
vious to  remark,  that  Government  itself  is  com- 
petent to  judge  of  it  through  the  medium  of 
translation;  that'the  intervention  of  a native 
is  not  necessary  to  enable  us  to  obtain  informa- 
tion regarding  the  contents  of  any  publication 
in  the  Persian,  Arabic,  Hindostanee,  or  Ben- 
galee languages  ; and  that  our  late  proceedings 
with  regard  to  the  works,  of  which  translations 
were  enclosed  in  our  despatch  to  your  Honour- 
able Committee  of  the  2d  ultimo,  was  the  result 
of  our  own  judgment  of  the  Hatiire  and  tenden- 
cy of  those  works. 

* 17.  The  intimation  contained  in  Mr.  Bu- 
chanan’s Memorial,  that  this  Government  has 


AFFENOIX* 


Itl 


established  a new  and  specific  imprimatur  with 
respect  to  works  on  theology,  appears  to  us  to 
require  some  observations  relative  to  the  nature 
and  effect  of  the  restrictions  c^n  the  press,  which 
since  their  original  establishment  have  conti- 
nued to  operate  without  relaxation. 

18.  This  intimation,  althougli  bearing  refer- 
ence to  those  publications  of  the  press  at  Se- 
rampore  which  we  have  judged  it  necessary  to 
prohibit  or  restrain,  appears  to  be  principal ly 
founded  on  the  requisition  noticed  at  the  com- 
mencement of  Mr.  Buchanan’s  Memorial,  on  the 
subject  of  submitting  certain  Discourses  on  the 
Prophecies,  which  Mr.  Buchanan  proposed  to 
publish,  to  the  inspection  of  Government  previ- 
ously to  their  publication.  It  is  proper  therefore 
to  explain  the  circumstances  of  that  transaction. 

19.  The  Siiperintendant  of  the  Company’s 
Press  having  received  from  Mr.  Buchanan  the 
draft  of  an  advertisement,  wliieh  announced 
the  intended  publication  of  Mr.  Buchanan’s 
Sermons  preached  in  the  Presidency  Church, 
on  the  Prophecies,  deemed  it  his  duty  to  obtain 
the  sanction  of  Government  to  the  publication 
of  those  Sermons,  and  consequently  to  the  in- 
sertion, in  the  Government  Gazette,  of  the  ad- 
vertisement announcing  their  intended  publica- 
tion, and  accordingly  communicated  the  draft 
of  the  proposed  advertisement  to  Government 
through  the  channel  of  its  officers.  Upon  this 
reference,  the  Chief  Secretary  was  directed  to 
request,  that  Mr.  Buchanan  would  send  the 
manuscript  for  the  inspection  of  Government, 
previously  to  its  publication ; and  under  this 
order,  the  publication  of  the  advertisement  also 


113 


APPENDIX, 


was  of  course  suspended^  This  transaction  is 
considered  by  Mr.  Buchanan  to  amount  to  a 
suppression  of  the  Sermons  on  the  Prophecies, 
because  a condition  was  attached  to  the  publi- 
cation of  them,  which  Mr.  Buchanan  errone- 
ously supposed  to  be  the  revision  of  them  by 
the  officers  of  Government,  a condition  to  w hich 
he  could  not  conscientiously  accede. 

20.  Mr.  Buchanan  however  must  be  suppos- 
ed to  object  to  the  revision  of  those  discourses 
by  the  Government  itself,  as  the  condition  of 
their  publication,  because  the  charge  of  estab- 
lishing an  imprimatur  on  works  of  theology,  if 
it  does  not  refer  to  the  revision  of  the  Govern- 
ment, is  founded,  as  far  as  relates  to  the  dis- 
courses in  question,  on  an  erroneous  construc- 
tion of  the  Chief  Secretary’s  requisition,  which 
expressly  declared  that  the  manuscript  w as  to 
be  submitted  to  the  inspection  of  Government. 

21.  Not  having  had  an  opportunity  of  peru- 
sing those  discourses,  w e can  form  no  judgment 
of  the  propriety  of  their  publication.  The 
printing  an  exposition  of  the  sacred  prophecies 
would  certainly,  as  such,  have  met  w ith  no  op- 
position from  us ; nor  w ould  the  prophecy, 
most  disrespectfully  and  improperly  stated  by 
Mr.  Buchanan  as  a particular  object  of  alarm 
to  us,  viz.  the  final  conversion  of  all  mankind 
to  the  Christian  faith,  have  rendered  the  publi- 
cation in  our  judgment  objectionable.  At  the 
same  time,  if  in  commenting  on  that  prophecy, 
Mr.  Buchanan  should  have  been  found  to  have 
introduced  into  his  discourses  strictures  on  the 
religion  of  the  Mahomedans  and  Hindoos,  of 
the  nature  of  those  which,  in  the  form  pf  works 


APPENDIX. 


113 


published  for  (he  perusal  of  the  natives  of  this 
country,  w e had  deemed  it  our  duty  to  suppress, 
or  to  have  enlarged  on  the  topic  of  the  imme- 
diate and  general  conversion  of  our  subjects  in 
the  East  to  Christianity,  we  should  probably 
have  judged  the  promulgation  of  such  remarks 
from  the  pulpit  of  the  Presidency  and  the  press 
of  Government,  to  be  unseasonable  and  inexpe- 
dient, in  the  present  conjuncture  of  affairs. 

22.  Of  this  nature  only  are  the  restrictions 
which  we  desire  to  impose  on  the  publication  of 
theological  works  in  this  country.  Those  re- 
strictions obviously  form  a part  of  that  general 
controul  which,  in  the  actual  state  of  our  do- 
minion in  India,  it  is  indispensably  necessary 
to  impose  on  the  productions  of  the  press,  for 
the^securily  of  the  public  interests  and  the  pre- 
servation of  the  public  tranquility  in  this  im- 
portant braneh  of  the  British  empire.  Such 
restrictions  have  virtually  existe<l  during  the 
whole  period  of  the  British  supremacy  in  In- 
dia : the  occasion  for  the  active  exercise  of 
them  has  only  recently  occurred. 

23.  Religious  discussions,  as  being  calculat- 
ed in  a peculiar  degree  to  affect  the  public 
tranquillity,  are  the  direct  and  proper  objects 
of  a general  centroui,  which  has  been  establish- 
ed over  the  productions  of  the  press,  for  pur- 
poses of  national  interest  and  public  security  ; 
and  ia-lndia,  more  than  in  all  other  countries, 
the  eoiitroui  of  religious  publications  is  indis- 
pensable for  the  public  safety. 

24.  This  necessity  cannot  be  exemplified  iii 
terms  more  just  or  more  forcible  than  in  the  fol- 
lowing extract  from  a work  published  by  Mr, 

10* 


114 


APPENDIX. 


Buchanan  in  England,  and  entitled,  A Me- 
moir on  the  Expediency  of  an  Ecclesiastical 
Establishment  in  India.” 

The  Mahoniedans  profess  a religion  which 
has  ever  been  characterized  by  political  bigotry 
and  intemperate  zeal.  In  this  country  that  re- 
ligion still  retains  the  character  of  its  bloody 
origin,  particularly  among  the  higher  classes. 
Whenever  the  Mahomedan  feels  his  religion 
touched,  he  grasps  his  dagger.  This  spirit  was 
seen  in  full  operation  under  Tippoo’s  govern- 
ment, and  it  is  not  now  extinguished.” 

25,  The  practical  effect  of  this  sanguinary 
spirit  of  bigotry,  as  exemplified  in  the  mutiny 
of  Vellore,  and  in  the  events  which  succeeded 
it,  can  hardly  escape  observation  ; for  although 
Mr.  Buchanan,  on  the  ground  of  his  personal 
communication  with  some  of  the  natives  on  the 
coast,  is  of  opinion  that  the  insurrection  at  Vel- 
lore had  no  connection  with  the  Ehristian  re- 
ligion directly  or  indirectly,  immediately  or  re- 
motely, we  are  compelled  to  form  a different 
judgment,  from  the  mass  of  authentic  evidence 
and  information  on  that  unhappy  event,  record- 
ed on  the  proceedings  of  Government ; and  we 
are  satisfied  that  a persuasion  (a  most  errone- 
ous one  indeed,  but  a firm  and  sincere  persua- 
sion) in  the  breasts  of  a great  proportion  of 
the  Sepoys  who  were  thus  betrayed  into  the  ex- 
ecution of  the  massacre  of  Vellore,  and  of  those 
who  subsequently  manifested  a spirit  of  insur- 
rection, that  a design  existed  on  the  part  of  the 
British  Government  to  operate  a general  con- 
version of  the  inhabitants  of  India  to  Christi- 
anity, was  one  of  the  most  efficient  causes  of 


APPENDIX-. 


113 


that  horrible  disaster.  Responsible  therefore 
to  our  Sovereign,  to  our  immediate  superiors, 
and  to  our  country,  for  the  security  and  tran- 
quillity of  this  empire,  we  should  have  neglect- 
ed a primary  obligation  of  our  public  duty,  if 
at  any  period  of  time,  but  especially  while 
such  impressions  were  recent,  we  had  permit- 
ted the  circulation  within  the  British  territo- 
ries, of  works  reviling  the  religions  of  our 
subjects,  and  distinctly  declaring  a desire  to 
convert  them  to  the  Christian  faith.  Under 
the  influence  of  the  same  sentiments  and  cir- 
cumstances also,  we  can«ot  but  question  the 
prudence  of  publishing,  with  the  sanction  of 
the  supreme  British  authority  in  India,  the  ap- 
proaching and  instant  conversion  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  country  to  Christianity. 

26.  The  imposition  of  a restraint,  therefore, 
on  the  promulgation  of  writings  of  the  above 
description,  is  but  the  application  of  a long  au- 
thorized and  existing  controul  over  the  conduct 
of  the  press,  to  the  most  important  of  the  ob- 
jects for  which  that  controul  was  originally  es- 
tablished ; and  consequently,  as  far  as  the  pub- 
lic safety  is  concerned,  works  on  theology,  like 
works  on  other  subjects,  must  be  considered  to 
be  subject  to  a civil  revision. 

27.  It  is  true,  that  no  direct  controul  over 
the  press  of  the  Missionaries  at  Serampore, 
had  been  speciflcally  declared  to  exist,  or  had 
ever  been  exercised  by  the  British  Government, 
because  no  abuse  of  that  press  had  attracted 
notice.  But  under  the  peculiar  circumstances 
of  the  settlement  of  Serampore,  and  of  the 
press  established  in  it,  oar  right  to  controul  the 


116 


APPENDIX. 


productions  of  the  Missionary  Press  cannot  he 
disputed. 

28.  The  population  of  Serampore  cannot  af- 
ford employment  to  a press  in  any  degree  suf- 
licient  to  support  the  charges  attending  it. 
The  only  purposes  connected  with  the  concerns 
of  the  Danish  Government,  or  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Serampore,  to  which  the  press  of  the 
Missionaries  was  applied,  were  (as  stated  by 
the  (Tovernor  of  that  settlement,  in  his  letter  of 
the  30th  of  September,)  the  publishing  of  re- 
gulations and  advertisements  of  public  and  pri- 
vate sales.  All  woA:s  printed  at  that  press 
were  necessarily  intended  for  circulation  in  the 
British  territories,  and  were  so  circulated,  and 
the  pamphlets  which  attracted  our  notice  were 
sent  to  tins  Presidency  and  its  vicinity,  for  dis- 
tribution among  osir  native  subjects. 

29.  The  Missionaries  themselves  are  all 
British  subjects  ; Mr.  Carey,  the  cliief  mem- 
ber of  the  Society,  holds  the  situation  of  Pro- 
fessor of  the  Shaiiscrit  and  Bengalee  languages 
in  the  College  of  Fort  William,  and  the  lead-' 
ing  members  occasioiially  reside  at  this  Presi- 
dency. The  Danish  Government  permitted, 
and  motives  of  convenience  induced,  them  to 
establish  their  press  at  Serampore.  But  the 
press  is  principally  supported  by  the  aid  and 
encouragement  aftbrded  by  the  Asiatic  Society 
and  the  College  of  Fort  William.  It  is  con- 
sequently, to  ail  intents  and  purposes,  a Brit- 
ish Press  : and  its  ]>rt)duetions  must  necessari- 
ly be  considered  by  the  community  at  large,  to 
issue  under  tlie  patronage  and  sanction  of  the 
British  GoTcninient.  'fhe  same  considerations. 


appendix. 


iir 


therefore,  which  require  the  exercise  of  an  ef- 
ficient coutroul  over  the  presses  established  at 
this  Presidency,  are  equally  applicable  to  the 
press  at  Serampore.  When  its  productions 
were  found  to  be  of  a nature  hazardous  to  the 
public  tranquillity,  it  became  the  absolute  duty 
of  this  Government  to  give  ejffeet  to  that  coii- 
troul;  and  adverting  to  the  inconvenience,  and 
in  some  degree  the  inefficiency,  under  which 
the  controul  of  a press  established  in  a foreign 
jurisdiction  must  be  exercised,  we  deemed  it 
adviseable  to  simplify  and  facilitate  the  execu- 
tion of  that  system,  by  requiring  that  a press, 
the  productions  of  which  were  to  circulate  ex- 
clusively in  the  British  territories,  should  be 
transferred  to  those  territories,  and  be  brought 
fairly  and  ostensibly  within  the  scope  of  that 
observation  which  was  entitled  to  controul  it. 
We  therefore  desired  the  Missionaries  to  re- 
move their  press  to  Calcutta;  apprising  the 
Danish  Governor,  at  the  same  time,  that  we 
had  deemed  it  necessary  to  signify  that  desire 
to  the  Missionaries,  and  stating  to  him  the 
grounds  of  the  measure. 

30.  The  right  of  the  British  Government  to 
exercise  a controul  over  the  press  of  Seram- 
pore, and  for  that  purpose  to  require  the  trans- 
fer of  it  to  the  Presidency,  was  not  contested 
by  the  Governor  of  Serampore ; w ho,  far  from 
resisting  the  demand  for  its  removal  on  the  plea 
of  the  sovereignty  of  his  nation,  as  erroneously 
asserted  by  Mr.  Buchanan,  merely  solicited  the 
revocation  of  that  demand,  on  the  ground  of 
the  distress  to  which  the  Missionaries  would 
be  exposed  by  our  exacting  a compliance  w ith 


118 


APPENDIX. 


it ; stating  an  additional  inducement,  in  the 
convenience  which  tlie  Government  and  inhab- 
itants of  Serampore  experienced  from  the  use 
of  the  press,  in  publishing  regulations  and  ad- 
vertisements of  public  and  private  sales. 

31.  We  at  the  same  time  received  from  the 
Missionaries  the  Memorial,  of  which  a copy 
formed  an  enclosure  in  our  dispatch  to  your 
Honourable  Committee  of  the  2d  ultimo ; where- 
in the  Missionaries  represented  the  peculiar 
circumstances  of  their  property  at  Serampore, 
and  explained  the  very  serious  and  distressing 
consequences  to  the  individuals  composing  the 
Mission,  as  well  as  to  the  body  itself,  and  to  a 
considerable  number  of  families  connected  with 
them  as  servants  and  dependents,  which  would 
result  from  the  removal  of  the  press  from  Se- 
rampore. Being  satisfied  of  the  truth  of  these 
representations,  and  nothing  being  further  from 
our  views  and  disposition  than  to  aftect  in  the 
smallest  degree  either  the  interests  of  the  mis- 
sionary body  or  the  personal  comfort  and  con- 
venience of  those  worthy  individuals,  w e with- 
drew without  hesitation  that  part  of  the  meas- 
ure, and  remained  satisfied  with  the  assurance 
of  the  Missionaries,  that  the  works  to  be  here- 
after printed  at  Serampore  should  be  previous- 
ly submitted  to  the  revision  and  sanction  of  our 
Government. 

32.  The  attention  with  which  we  listened  to 
the  representations  of  the  Missionaries,  con- 
cerning the  distress  w hieh  the  removal  of  their 
press  would  occasion,  was  aeknowiiedged  by 
them  in  terms  of  fervent  gratitude  ; and  irr  re- 
ply to  our  letter  CQmmuuicating  to  the  Gover- 


APPENDIX. 


119 


nor  of  Serampore  our  compliance  with  the  so- 
licitation of  tl»e  Missionaries,  his  Excellency 
expressed  “•  liis  most  i^rateful  acknowledgments 
for  the  moderation  we  had  so  generously  mani- 
fested” on  this  occasion. 

3o.  It  will  be  evident,  from  the  facts  and  oh- 
servalions  which  we  have  stated  to  your  Hon- 
ourable Committee,  that  no  innovation  has  ta- 
ken place  in  the  principles  and  practice  of  this 
Crovernment,  relatively  to  the  controul  of  the 
productions  of  the  press ; that  no  new  an<l 
specific  imprimatur  has  been  established  for 
works  on  theology,  hut  that  the  restrictions 
which  virtnaliy  existed  with  regard  to  publica- 
tions in  general,  were  practically  applied  to  the- 
ological works,  only  when  works  of  that  class, 
containing  strictures  on  the  religions  of  the 
country  in  terms  the  most  irritating  and  often- 
sive,  by  being  circulated  among  our  native  sub- 
jects, exposed  the  public  trauquillity  to  hazard. 

34.  Mr.  Buchanan's  indecent  comments  on 
our  reply  to  the  reference  of  the  Governor  of 
Serampore,  relative  to  the  translation  of  the 
Bible  (whicli  reply  Mr.  Bnchauan  has  commu- 
nicated to  the  Governor  General,  as  a point  of 
information,  and  as  a subject  of  concern  to  his 
Lordship)  merely  suggest  the  expediency  of  re- 
marking, that  we  should  deem  it  our  duty  to 
oppose  the  publication  of  any  strictures  on  the 
religions  of  the  country, .such  as  we  have  al- 
ready suppressed,  whether  promulgated  in  the 
form  of  separate  tracts,  or  of  prefatory  notes 
to  a translation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

35.  Our  solicitude  for  the  suppression  of 
publications  of  that  nature,  combines  with  a 


APPENDIX. 


vigilant  attention  to  the  public  safety  and  tran- 
quillity, a regard  for  the  successful  propaga- 
tion of  the  truths  of  Christianity  among  the 
misguided  natives  of  these*  distant  countries, 
by  the  only  means  which  can  promote  its  suc- 
cess,— the  operation  of  example  in  the  conduct 
of  its  preachers  and  professors,  in  the  princi- 
ples which  it  inculcates,  and  in  the  effects 
M'hich  it  produces  on  the  dignity  of  individual 
character,  and  on  the  general  happiness  and 
welfare  of  mankind;  united  also  with  the  means 
of  instruction,  when  instruction  is  desired ; but 
unconnected  with  the  language  of  irritation, 
with  revilings  against  the  religions  of  the  coun- 
try, and  with  prophetic  denunciations  of  their 
immediate  subversion. 

3G.  We  shall  conclude  this  discussion  by  ob- 
serving, that  it  has  never  been  in  the  contem- 
plation, either  of  the  present  or  the  preceding 
administration  of  this  Government,  to  controul 
or  impede  the  pious  labours  of  the  Missiona- 
ries, while  conducted  in  the  manner  which  pru- 
dence dictates,  and  which  the  orders  of  the 
Honourable  Court  have  distinctly  prescribed. 
But  when  the  mistaken  zeal  of  the  Missiona- 
ries exceeded  those  limits  which  considerations 
of  public  safety,  and  even  a solicitude  for  the 
propagation  of  Chris! ian  knowledge  among  the 
misguided  natives  of  these  countries,  liave  wise- 
ly imposed ; when  publications  and  public 
preachings,  calculated  not  to  conciliate  and 
convince  but  to  irritate  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple, were  brought  to  the  notice  of  Government, 
the  interposition  of  the  ruling  power  became 
necessary  to  preclude  the  apprehended  effects 


APPENDIX. 


121 


of  these  dangerous  and  iinproStable  proceed- 
ings. 

AVe  have  the  lionour  to  be,  &c.  &c. 
(Signed)  MiN'rO, 

G.  BEWETT, 

G.  H.  BAELbWy 
J.  LUM8DEN. 
Fort  William,  7th  December,  1897. 


No.  n. 


Eoctract  of  a Letter  from  the  Court  of  Direc- 
tors^ to  the  Governor  General  in  Council  at 
Fort  William  in  Bengal  / dated  7th  Septem- 
ber, 1S08. 

Pad  A.  1.  AVE  have  received,  by  the  Gene- 
ral Stuart,  your  letter  of  the  2d  November  last, 
addressed  to  the  Secret  Committee,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  certain  publications  which  had  issued 
frosn  the  Missionary  Press  at  Serainpore,  and 
detailing  tlie  proceedings  which  you  had 
thought  it  advisable  to  adopt  with  regard  to 
ihem. 

2.  W^hatever  is  connected  with  an  attempt 
to  introduce  Christianity  among  the  natives  of 
British  India,  cannot  but  he  felt  as  a subject  of 
tiie  greatest  importance,  and  of  the  greatest 
delicacy;  and  we  lament  that  circumstances 
I should  have  occurred  in  any  part  of  our  terri- 
I lories,  to  call  for  the  interference  of  our  Gov- 
ernment in  matters  of  that  description.  AYe 
are  ansious  tliat  it  should  be  distirictiy  under- 


122 


APPENDIX. 


stood,  tl’.at  \\2  are  very  far  from  being  averse 
to  the  introdnftion  of  Christianity  into  India, 
or  indlderent  to  tiie  beneiits  which  would  result 
from  the  general  diffusion  of  its  doctrines;  but 
we  liave  a fixed  and  settled  opinion,  that  noth- 
ing could  be  more  unwise  and  impolitic,  noth- 
ing even  more  likely  to  frustrate  the  hopes  and 
endeavours  of  those  who  aim  at  the  very  ob- 
ject, the  introduction  of  Christianity  among 
the  native  inhabitants,  than  any  imprudent  or 
injudicious  attempt  to  introduce  it  by  means 
which  should  irritate  and  alarm  their  religious 
prejudices.  That  the  publication  whieli  first 
excited  your  attention,  as  well  as  the  paper 
wiueii  von  transmitted  to  us.  n-.arked  C.  entit- 
led'I'he  Rise  of  Wisdom,”  is  calculated  to 
produce  those  clfeets,  we  conceive  can  admit  of 
no  doubt ; and  we  entirely  ap'prove  of  your 
emleavoin  s to  interrupt  the  cireulatioii  of  them, 
luiieed  tlie  Missionaries  themselves  seem  to  re- 
gret and  to  condemn  their  publication.  Per- 
haps some  doubt  might  be  fairly  entertained 
w 'netlu'r  a considerable  part  of  the  paper  mark- 
ed B.  was  of  a nature  to  have  excited  similar 
feelings,  if  tlie  other  publications  did  not  pre- 
]!are  the  mind  to  receivt?  witli  sojne  jealousy 
any  works  which  issiied  from  the  same  press. 
In  siig^esling  the  possibility  of  this  <loubt,  we 
hy  no  means  intend  to  convey  any  disapproba- 
tion of  that  prudent  precaution  which  led  you 
to  prevent  tlie  furtiier  pu!)lica(ion  of  this  last, 
together  with  those  which  appear  tr.*  ns  to  be 
more  nnipiestionably  exeeptionaiile.  It  is  a 
matter  of  great  dlilit-ulty  to  draw'  the  line 
wiiicli  should  at  once  describe  and  characterizij 


ATPENDIX. 


123 


the  pv.hlications  uhich  might  he  permitted  to 
he  considered  as  inodensive,  and  at  tlie  same 
time  disliiiguish  them  from  tiiose  which  a pro- 
per precaution  would  suppress  : and  at  this  dis- 
tance from  the  scene  of  Governmenl,  we  can 
only  state  to  you  tliose  general  principles  w hich 
w e are  desirous  should  direct  your  conduct  upon 
this  point.  For  this  purpose,  we  would  refer 
you  to  a passage  in  our  political  letter  to  Fort 
St.  George  of  the  29th  May,  1807,  in  which 
we  briefly  intimated,  in  the  following  terms, 
our  sentiments  of  w hat  the  character  and  con- 
duct of  Christian  Missionaries  in  India,  and 
the  carriage  of  the  Company's  Government  to- 
wards them  ought  to  be.  “ \yhen  we  afforded 
our  countenance  and  sanction  to  the  Missiona- 
ries who  have  from  time  to  time  proceeded  to 
India  for  the  purpose  of  propagating  the  Chris- 
tian Religion,  it  w as  far  from  being  in  our  con- 
templation to  add  the  influence  of  our  authori- 
ty to  any  attempts  tl'ey  might  make  ; for,  on 
the  contrary,  w e w ere  perfectly  aw  are  tiiat  tiie 
progress  of  real  conversion  would  be  gradual 
and  slow,  arising  more  from  a conviction  of 
the  purity  of  the  principles  of  our  religion  it- 
self, and  from  the  pitnis  example  of  its  teach- 
ers, than  from  any  undue  influence,  or  from  the 
exertions  of  authority,  wliich  are  never  to  he 
resorted  to  in  such  cases.”  In  the  same  spirit 
we  would  still  wish  to  aflirm  as  a principle,  the 
desira!)leness  of  imparling  the  knowledge  of 
Christianity  to  the  natives  of  British  India  ; 
but  we  must  also  enuteud.  that  tlie  means  to  be 
used  for  that  end  shall  be  only  such  as  shall  be 
. free  from  any  political  danger  or  alarm. 


121 


Ari’EXDIX. 


3.  Witli  these  jjo'sitions,  which  appear 
fo  i!S  lo  l)c  i'll !i(la men l.il  on  the  subject  in  ques- 
tion. the  3yt!i  paragraph  of  your  despatch  now 
before  iis.  in  substance  corresponds  ; for  you 
tJiere,  after  acknou ledging  your  entire  con- 
viction of  (he  correctness  of  the  statement  which 
the  Menioria!  of  the  Missionaries  contains,  re- 
lative to  the  motives  and  objects  of  their  zeal 
for  the  propagation  of  the  sacred  doctrines  of 
Christia.sity,”  observe,  ••  Our  duty  as  guardians 
of  tbe  public  welfare,  and  even  a consentaneous 
solicitude  for  the  dift'usioii  of  the  blessings  of 
Christianity,  merely  require  us  to  restrain  the 
efibrts  of  that  commendable  zeal  within  those 
limits,  the  transgression  of  w hich  w ould,  in  oiir 
decided  judgment,  expose  fo  hazard  the  public 
safety  and  tranquillity,  without  promoting  its 
intended  object.”  Agreeing  then  with  you  in 
general  views  on  this  question,  and  impressed 
w ith  the  necessity  of  leav  ing  the  application  of 
these  principles  to  the  discretion  of  the  Govern- 
ment upon  the  spot,  we  feel  that  we  have  but 
little  further  to  suggest  to  you  upon  that  part 
of  the  subject. 

4.  AVe  observe  with  great  satisfaction  the 
temperate  and  respectful  conduct  of  tiie  Society 
of  5lissionarics,  in  the  discussions  which  took 
place  on  the  subject  of  the  pnblieatious  to  which 
yonr  attention  w as  directed,  and  of  tbe  measures 
which  you  fell  ycurselvcs  called  upon  to  adopt; 
and  we  entirely  approve  of  the  permission 
which  yon  granted  to  them  of  continuing  their 
press  at  Serainp(»re.  Tl)eir  residence  at  that 
place  would  probably  be  attended  w ith  liti'le  ad- 
ditional incoi.'venrtace  to  your  Governniciit , 


APrENDlX, 


125 


aiul  we  conclude,  moreover,  that  the  Britisli 
authority  lias  loisg  ago  been  established  at  the 
diiferent  Banish  settlements  in  India.  We  are 
well  aware  that  the  progress  of  the  Missiona- 
ries, botii  Catholic  and  Protestant,  for  a long 
period  of  years,  iias  not  been  attended  w ith  in- 
jurious conseqneiiees : their  numbers  have  not 
been  sudicient  to  excite  alarm,  and  their  gene- 
ral conduct  has  been  prudent  and  conciliatory  ; 
and  we  have  no  reason  to  suppose  that  the 
mere  circulation,  in  a peaceable  and  unobtru- 
sive manner,  of  translations  of  the  Scriptures, 
is  likely  to  be  attended  witli  consequences  dan- 
gerous to  tlie  j)ubiic  safety. 

5.  The  paramount  power  whiclj  we  now'  pos- 
sess in  India,  umloubtediy  demands  from  ns  ad- 
ditional caution  upon  this  subject,  it  imposes 
upo;i  us  tile  necessity,  as  ueii  as  strengthens 
our  obligation,  to  protect  the  native  inhabitants 
in  the  free  and  undisturbed  profession  of  their 
religious  opinions,  and  to  take  care  tiiat  they 
are  neither  liarassed  nor  irritated  by  any  pre- 
mature or  over-zealous  attempts  to  convert 
tlsem  to  Christianity. 

6.  In  ecineying  to  you  our  approbation  of 
the  controul  wliich  you  had  determined  to  ex- 
ercise with  regard  to  sueli  publications  as  might 
issue  from  tlie  })ress  of  the  -Uissioiiaries,  we 
trust  that  it  will  be  found  not  only  salutary  to 
tlie  interests  of  Govern jnent  but  even  satis- 
factory to  t!»e  considerate  part  of  the  ^Mission- 
aries  themselves.  They  must  be  aware  that  it 
is  quite  consistent  with  doing  all  justice  to  tlie 
exceilcncy  of  the  motives  on  which  they  act,  to 
apprehend  that  tlieir  ?:eal  may  sometimes  rc- 

11* 


AFrJLNDIX. 


12fi 

quire  a cheek,  and  that  it  may  he  useful  and 
necessary  to  introduce  the  controul  or  super- 
intendance of  Goverumeni;  whose  respojisibiii- 
t;,  for  the  public  tranquillity  will  force  it  to 
direct  its  views  to  tliose  political  considerations 
which  the  zeal  of  the  Missionaries  might  over- 
look. 

7.  If,  indeed,  you  had  foreseen  that  the  Mis- 
sionaries Mould  have  shewn  tliat  entire  and 
ready  submissiveness  to  Government  Mhich 
their  conduct  has  manifested,  we  think  you 
M ould  have  doubted  of  the  expediency  of  hoid- 
ing,  under  the  eircurnstaiices  you  have  describ- 
ed, a public  proceeding  upon  their  tiansactions  : 
and  we  Mould  only  suggest,  that  if  ou  any  fu- 
ture occasion  any  fresh  precautionary  measures 
should  become  indis]>ensable,  and  the  inter- 
ference of  Government  he  again  required,  it 
Mould  be  desirable,  in  tlie  first  instance  at  least, 
to  see  Mliether  a private  commimicalion  from 
tlie  Governor  General  might  not  efiect  all  that 
is  desired,  Mithoat  bringitsg  into  vieM'  the  in- 
strumentality of  Government.  Its  authority 
cannot  he  seen  actively  to  controul  any  of  their  x 
proceedings,  m ithout  exposing  it  to  the  inference 
of  specially  sanctioning  and  coiiuteuancing  such 
publications  and  such  conduct  as  it  does  not 
prevent,  and  thereby  making  the  Government 
in  some  degre^e  a party  to  the  Acts  of  the  Mis- 
sionaries, and  making  the  Missionaries  appear 
in  the  character  of  the  agents  of  Government. 

8.  Ill  adverting  to  your  prohibition  of  the 
public  preaching  in  Calcutta  to  the  Hindoos 
and  Mahoraedans ; at  the  time  when  we  ap- 
prove of  this  measure  of  precaution,  we  do  not 


APPENDIX. 


137 


understand  you  to  object  to  the  Missionaries  de° 
cently  performing,  at  their  usual  places  of  re- 
sidence, tUe  duties  of  their  religion,  in  chapels 
or  rooms,  at  which  admittance  may  be  given 
to  their  converts  or  to  other  Christians.  We 
presume  that  the  n!i!n])er  of  chapiaiiis  which 
we  have  appropriated  for  the  performance  of 
religious  duties  at  Calcutta,  is  sufficient  for  all 
the  British  or  other  inluibitants  of  that  place 
who  comprehend  the  English  language;  but 
we  do  not  recollect  it  to  have  been  your  inten- 
tion to  preclude  otlier  Christians  there  from 
I'.earing  Divine  service  performed  in  a language 
which  they  understand. 

9.  Having  thus  explained  to  you,  as  briefly 
as  possible,  tiie  principles  on  which  we  wish 
you  to  act  with  regard  to  the  Missionaries,  it 
renfains  for  us  only  to  advert  to  your  sugges- 
tion, that  we  should  ‘‘discourage  any  accession 
to  the  number  of  Missionaries  actually  employ- 
ed under  the  protection  of  the  British  Govern- 
ment in  India  in  the  work  of  conversion.”  Yon 
are  of  course  aware,  that  many  of  the  merito- 
rious iiidividjials  who  have  devoted  themselves 
to  those  labours,  were  not  Britisli  subjects,  or 
living  under  our  authority  ; and  that  none  of 
the  Missionaries  iiave  proceeded  to  Bengal  , 
with  our  licence. 

10.  Entertaining  tl.e  sentiments  which  we 
have  expressed  in  the  preceding  parts  of  this 
despatch,  w e are  very  far  from  disapproving  of 
your  having  refrained  from  resorting  to  the  au- 

- thority  vested  in  you  by  law,  and  enforcing  its  • 

provisions  in  all  their  strictness  against  the 
Missionaries ; and  we  rely  on  your  discretion, 


128 


ATPENDIX. 


tliat  you  will  abstain  from  all  unnecessary  or 
osleiilatioiis  iiit«rierence  \vitli  their  {>rocpe(lings. 
On  the  other  haml,  it  uiil  he  your  bon!i*le»  duly 
vigilantly  to  guard  the  public  traiiquillity  from 
interruption,  and  to  impress  upon  the  minds  of 
ail  the  inhabitants  of  India,  that  tlie  British 
faith,  on  wliich  they  rei;  for  the  free  exercise 
of  tlieir  religion,  nil!  he  inviolably  maintained. 


Extract  of  Letter  from  the  Court  of  Directors 
to  the.  Governor  General  in  Council  at  Fort 
jrUHani  in  IJengul,  dated  7t/i  Sehiemher* 
ISOS. 

• 

Para.  12.  Since  the  preceding  paragrapijs 
>vere  written,  yonr  letter  of  tlie  Tth  Beeemher, 
1807,  to  the  Secret  Committee,  has  been  re- 
ceived, with  copies  of  tim  Letter  and  Memori- 
al addressed  to  the  Governor  General  by  the 
Reverend  i)r.  Claudius  Buehanasj, 

13.  We  desire  to  express  our  entire  satisTac- 
tion  at  tlie  expianatior^  which  you  liave  thought 
it  necessary  to  give  to  your  proceedijjgs  ; and 
as  most  of  tlie  observations  wlneh  would  natu- 
rally have  oeeuned  to  us  on  the  perusal  of 
tiiose  documents  fsave  airea<iy  been  staled  iu 
this  letter,  we  de-  ai  it  unnecessary  to  enlarge 
further  on  this  snlyeet. 

14.  With  every  disposition  to  make  due  al- 
lowance in  fav(Oir  of  ardent  zeal  in  the  cause 
of  Religion,  it  would  have  beeii.impos*si!)le  for 


APPENDIX. 


129 


US  to  avoid  noticiu^  the  imjiroper  style  of  Dr. 
Buchanan's  Address  to  the  supreme  Authority 
in  India,  if  his  subsequent  departure  from 
thence  had  not  in  some  degree  relieved  us  from 
that  necessity.  We  shall  content  yourselves  at 
present  with  remarking,  that  Dr.  Buchanan,  as 
well  as  all  other  Ecclesiastics  who  promulgate 
the  doctrines  of  Christianity  in  India,  and  w ho 
bestow  such  just  and  merited  encomiums  on  the 
conduct  of  the  Missionary  Swartz,  would  do 
well  to  adopt  it  as  the  niodel  of  their  own ; 
and  should  always  recollect  tha.t  discretion  and 
moderation  in  their  language  and  actions  are 
most  consistent  with  the  mild  spirit  of  our  re- 
ligion, and  are  indispensably  requisite  for  those 
who  are  employed  in  prosecuting  the  laborious 
work  of  conversion. 

[^TaJcenfrom  the  East-India  Papers,  print-  . 
ed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Commons, 
«A'o.  142.,  pp.  T2 — 74  and  p.  85. j 


■SV.  ill. 

Letter  from  General  Hay  MH)oiv,alL  Comman- 
der in  ly.’iief  of  the  Forces  under  the  Presi- 
dency of  Fort  St.  George  to  the  Governor 
and  Council  of  that  Presidency ; dated  24:th 
Aon.  1807,  respecting  the  Jiuiiny  at  Vel- 
lore ; with  the  proceedings  of  Government 
thereupon.  ( Extracted  from  the  East-Pndia 


130 


APPENDIX. 


Fapcvfi^  printed  hy  order  of  the  Home  of 
Commom,  ./Vo,  19-1,  p.  10 — i.i.J 

EXTRACT  I'ORT  ST  GEORGE  AJli.i  rARY  COX- 
SUL'l’A'l'iONS,  24iii  NOV.  1307. 

Tipad  liip  follauin^  lielter  from  tlie  Commaii- 
di'r  iti  (Jliier. 

The  Chief  Secretary  to  Government. 

Sir, 

liS'  ohedience  to  t!ie  \vis]i  expro«sed  by  the 
lloiiosirable  the  Governor  iu  Couiiei!,  contained 
in  the  Military  Secrelary’s  letter  of  tlie  l7th 
instant,  I have  the  honour  to  convey  iny  senti- 
ments on  the  important  suhjeet. 

'i'he  plea  of  interference  in  reli^iotis  scruples 
has  been,  during  many  ages,  a dreadful  weapon 
in  tiie  liands  of  the  factious,  discontented  and 
bigoted  ; but  the  emissaries  who  were  said  to 
be  so  assiduously  employed  in  seducing  the  loy- 
alty and  affection  of  the  Sepoys,  have  happily, 
niider  this  pretext,  made  little  progress  in  their 
insidious  and  malignant  designs. 

it  may  occasion  some  degree  of  surprise  that 
th.e  people  of  this  country  should  b(‘  brought  to 
believe,  that  those  who  apparently  conduct 
tliemseives  vvitli  so  much  apathy  in  respect  to 
what  concerns  religious  worship,  should  have 
formed  any  serious  scheme  for  conv  « ing  w hole 
nations  of  different  easts  and  persuasions  to  the 
Ghristian  faith.  None  but  the  weakest  and 
most  sujierstitious  could  have  been  deluded  by 
so  improbable  a tale;  and  accordingly  we  tirid 
tlie  rumour  alluded  to  was  by  no  means  general, 


APPENDIX, 


131 


an:!,  except  at  Hydrabad,  it  had  made  little 
or  MO  impression. 

In  making  the  above  remark  on  the  indifference 
wiffcli  is  manifested  in  the  adoralion  of  the’  Sii- 
p.-eme  Being,  1 must  ad{{,  in  justice  to  tlie  mili- 
tary character,  that  it  cliieffy  proceeds  from  a 
\vant  of  places  (and,  at  several  stations,  of 
clergymen)  exclusively  appropriated  for  Di- 
vine service ; and  1 trust  1 shall  be  excused  if 
I suggest  the  propriety  of  having  convenient 
chapels,  of  moderate  price,  constructed  in  all 
situations  within  the  Company’s  territories 
where  European  troops  are  likely  to  be  quarter- 
ed. Whatever  may  be  in'ged  to  the  contrary, 
I am  convinced,  tiiat  sueli  a!!  improvement,  in- 
dependent of  the  obvious  advasitagcs,  would 
render  the  Britislj  eliaracter  more  respected  by 
the  natives,  and  be  attended  by  no  evil  coase- 
qnences. 

V'iewi ng  the  object  of  the  Honourable  Court 
of  Directors  to  liave  been  fully  anticipated  by 
the  several  orders  which  have  already  been 
psamnulged,  and  being  of  opinion  that  this  al- 
most obsolete  question  ought  not  to  be  revived, 
riie  disi'.HSsiou  slionld  iiere  terminate  publicly. 
Jl  take  liie  liberty,  however,  to  propose  to  the 
Honojjrable  the  Governor  in  Couneil,  that  a 
copy  of  the  extract  from  tlie  despatches  of  the 
Honourable  Court  should  be  transmitted  confi- 
dentially to  General  Otficers  or  others,  in  com- 
mand of  divisions  or  separate  bodies  of  troops, 
that  the  judgment  of  the  Court  on  this  point 
may  be  disseminated  with  delicacy  and  caution. 


Madras,  ( I liave  the  honour  to  be.  «xc.  &c. 


to  Xov.  1807  ^ (Signed)  HAY  >rDO\yALH. 


132 


APPENDIX. 


Resolve<1,  T];at  the  recommendation  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief,  for  the  construction  o0 
( ’Impels  at  the  several  stations  usually  occu- 
jjied  by  European  troops,  be  brought  to  the  no- 
tice of  the  Honourable  the  Court  of  Directors; 
and  that  in  the  mean  time  the  Commander  in 
Chief  bo  desired  to  issue  such  directions  a'S  he 
may  deem  most  proper  for  ensuring  the  regular 
performance  of  Divine  worship  at  those  stations, 
without  incurring  expense  in  the  construction 
or  hire  of  buildings  for  that  particular  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  the  Commander  in  Chief's 
opinion,  respecting  the  inexpediency  of  publish- 
ing to  the  native  army  any  further  declaration 
on  the  subject  of  their  religion  and  customs,  be 
confirmed  ; but  that  he  be  authorised,  accord- 
ing to  his  suggesiion,  to  communicate  the  senti- 
ments expressed  by  the  Honourable  Court,  re- 
garding the  native  troops,  in  a coiifideiitial 
manner,  to  commanding  otneers  of  corps  and 
stations. 

JS,vfract  Military  Letter  from  Fort  St,  George, 
dated  the  2^tli  Dec.  1807. 

46.  Your  Honourable  Court  having  particu-^ 
larly  adverted,  in  your  political  despatch  of 
tile  29lh  May  ISO/,  to  the  apprehension  which 
was  supposed  to  prevail  among  the  native 
troops,  that  it  was  intended  by  the  British 
Government  to  compel  them  to  become  con- 
verts to  Chrisliaiiity,  and  having  furnished  us 
with  conditional  instrndions  for  counteracting 
tliat  unfounded  fear,  by  the  formal  publication 
of  ccrtaiii  Resolutions  of  a difierent  tendency, 


APPENDIX. 


133 


in  the  name  and  by  the  order  of  your  Honoura- 
able  Court,  we  deemed  it  proper  to  furnish  the 
Commander  in  Chief  with  copies  of  the  para- 
graphs containing  your  sentiments  and  instruc- 
tions on  that  subject. 

47.  The  general  knowledge  which  we  pos- 
sessed of  the  present  state  of  the  native  army 
of  Fort  St.  George,  induced  as  to  believe  that 
the  publication  eventuafly  authorized  by  your 
Honourable  Court,  would,  under  existing  cir- 
cumstances, be  equally  inexpedient  and  unne- 
cessary ; but  considering  the  particular  re- 
sponsibility which  attaches  to  the  Commander 
in  Chief  on  every  question  relating  to  the  ’fi- 
delity and  subordination  of  the  army,  it  was 
thought  proper  that  his  opinion  should  be  for- 
mally required  on  this  point,  and  that  he  should 
be  requested  to  state  his  sentiments  fully  for 
our  consideration. 

48.  We  consider  the  Letter  which  we  re- 
ceived from  the  Commander  in  Chief,  in  reply, 
to  be  highly  creditable  to  that  oSicer,  and  to 
deserve  the  particular  attention  of  your  Honour- 
able Court. 

49.  The  Commander  in  Chief  has  observed, 
that  it  may  occasion  some  degree  of  surprise 
that  the  people  of  this  country  should  be  brought 
to  believe  that  persons,  who  apparently  conduct 
themselves  with  so  much  apathy  in  respect  to 
religious  worship,  should  have  formed  any  se- 
rious scheme  for  converting  whole  nations  of 
difterent  casts  and  persuasions  to  the  Christian 
faith  ; and  Lieutenant  General  M’DowaU  is 
accordingly  of  opinion  that  the  rumour  was  by 


APPENDIX. 


131 

no  means  general,  and  that,  except  at  Hydra-* 
had,  it  had  made  but  little  impression. 

50.  The  Commander  in  Chief  has,  at  the 
same  time,  in  justice  to  the  military  character, 
expressed  his  belief  that  the  indlfterence  mani- 
fested by  the  European  inhabitants  of  India  in 
the  adoration  of  the  Supreme  Being  chiefiy 
proceeds  from  the  very  limited  number  of 
clergymen  and  from  a want  of  places  exclusive- 
ly appropriated  for  Divine  service.  He  has 
therefore  suggested  the  propriety  of  construct- 
ing convenient  chapels  at  a moderate  expense, 
at  all  stations  where  European  troops  may 
probably  be  quartered  ; and,  whatever  may  be. 
urged  to  the  contrary,  he  has  stated  his  convic- 
tion that  such  an  improvement,  independent  of 
its  advantages  in  a religious  view,  would  ren- 
der the  British  character  more  respected  by  the 
natives,  and  would  not  be  attended  by  any  evil 
consequences. 

51.  With  respect  to  the  object  of  your  Hon- 
ourable Court,  the  Commander  in  Chief  consi- 
ders it  to  have  been  fully  anticipated  by  tlic 
several  orders  already  published  under  the  au- 
thority of  this  Government  ; and  being  of 
opinion  that  this  obsolete  question  ouglit  not  to 
be  revived,  he  has  recommended  that  the  public 
discussion  of  it  should  be  immediately  termina- 
ted. It  has  however  been  suggested  bv 'Lieu- 
tenant General  M’Dowall,  that  extracts  from 
the  despatch  of  yonr  Honourable  Court  should 
be  transmitted  conlideiitially  to  commanding 
officers  ; that  the  judgment  of  your  Houourable 
Court,  on  this  point,  may  be  disseminated  with 
delicacy  and  cautien. 


APPENDIX. 


135 


52.  Entirely  concurring  in  the  sentiments 
expressed  by  the  Commander  in  Chief,  we 
have  desired  him  to  circulate  your  orders  in 
the  manner  which  he  may  deem  most  advisea- 
bJe ; and  with  respect  to  his  suggestion  for  the 
general  construction  of  chapels  at  the  principal 
sta.tions  of  the  army,  we  beg  that  you  will  fur- 
nish us  w ith  early  directions  on  that  »subject. 
In  the  mean  time,  Lieutenant  General  M’Dow- 
all  has  been  requested  to  issue  such  orders  as 
may  appear  to  be  best  calculated  to  ensure  the 
regular  performance  of  Divine  worship,  with- 
out incurring  expense  in  the  construction  or 
hire  of  buildings  for  that  particular  purpose. 


No.  lY. 

Minute  of  George  Udny,  Esq.  Member  of  the 
Supreme  Gouncil  in  Bengal,  protesting  a- 
gainst  superintending'^  the  idol  Jugger- 
naut, as  tending  to  perpetuate  a system  of 
gross  idolatry  Extracted  from  the  Bengal 
Judicial  Consultations  of  Sd  April,  1806. 
f Taken  from  the  East-India  Tapers,  printed 
by  Order  of  the  House  of  Commons,  JS'*o.  194, 
p.  41.; 

I APPROVE  of  the  following  Regulations, 
with  the  exception  of  those  parts  of  it  wliieh 
provide  for  the  superintendance  and  manage- 
ment of  the  temple  at  Juggeriiauth,  and  th<? 
pajiment  of  its  officers. 


136 


APPENDIX. 


The  making  provision  by  law  for  such  pur- 
poses, it  appears  to  me,  would  operate  to  sanc- 
tion, and  tend  to  perpetuate,  a system  of  gross 
idolatry,  which  Government  is  neither  bound 
nor  does  it  seem  becoming  in  it  to  do. 

I would  leave  the  temple  and  its  whole 
economy  exclusively  to  the  direction  and  man- 
agement of  its  own  officers,  allowing  them  to 
collect  the  regular  established  fees  they  have 
hitherto  been  accustomed  to  do,  securing  the 
pilgrims  at  the  same  time  against  every  thing 
of  a vexatious  nature  from  the  extortion  and 
oppression  of  those  officers. 

if  the  revenue  with  which  the  temple  is  en- 
dowed be  insufficient  for  its  support,  I would 
reduce  the  rate  of  tax  proposed  to  be  levied 
from  the  pilgrims,  relinquishing  the  remainder 
to  be  applied  to  that  purpose,  in  order  that 
Government  should  have  no  direct  concern  of 
any  kind  in  what  relates  to  the  maintenance 
of  the  Temple,  or  the  payment  of  its  officers, 
but  appropriate  solely  to  its  own  use  the  whole 
of  the  tax  levied  from  the  pilgrims  by  its 
officers. 

(Signed)  G.  IT. 


No.  V. 

Letter  from  Charles  Buller,  Esq.  J/.  P.  to  tlm 
Honourable  the  Court  of  Directors,  respecting 
the  Idol  'Juggernaut,  dated  the  ±9th  Jlay, 


APPENDIX. 


137 


1813,  (laid  on  the  table  of  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, and  ordered  to  be  printed,  2^th  May, 
1813.) 

TO  THE  COURT  OF  DIRECTORS  OF  THE  HON- 
OURABLE EAST  INDIA  COMPANY. 

Honourable  Sirs, 

CONSIDERING  the  very  exaggerated  and 
nnfouiided  opinions  vvliich  appear  to  be  enter- 
tained in  England,  in  regard  to  the  conduct  of 
the  Bengal  Government  at  Jaghanath,  and  in 
respect  to  the  atrocities  said  to  be  practised 
there  5 it  has  been  suggested  to  me,  as  I \va§ 
so  long  on  the  spot,  and  as  I had  so  much  to 
do  in  framing  the  existing  regulations  relative 
to  the  tax  levied  from  the  pilgrims,  that  I 
should  take  an- opportunity  of  giving  such  in-, 
formation  as  might  place  the  matter  in  its  pro- 
per point  of  view.  The  best  mode,  therefore, 
which  presents  itself  to  me  of  communicating 
the  information  I possess,  is  to  address  myself 
to  your  Honourable  Court. 

The  object  I have  in  viev/  is,  to  correct  the 
erroneous  opinions  which  seem  to  prevail  in 
regard  to  the  conduct  of  our  Government,  with 
reference  to  the  temple,  and  to  remove  the  ex- 
aggerated ideas  entertained  in  respect  to  the 
atrocities  said  to  be  practised  there. 

With  respect  to  the  first  point,  as  far  as  I 
can  recollect,  it  seems  to  be  supposed  that  our 
Governntent  at  Bengal  is  busied  in  the  eontroHl 
and  regulation  of  Hindoo  worship  ; and  that  it 
is  actively  employed  in  the  encouragement  of 
idolatry,  for  the  purpose  of  reveiiae.  Your 


138 


APPENDIX. 


Honourable  Court  must  be  fully  aware  Iiow 
studiously  the  regulations  have  guarded  against 
committing  the  Government  in  any  way  what- 
ever, respecting  questions  which  might  arise 
relative  to  the  interior  concerns  of  the  temple. 
The  clauses  which  refer  to  the  power  reserved 
by  Government  of  removing  the  Patron  of  the 
Temple,  and  to  the  permission  given  to  the 
head  ministerial  officers  to  remonstrate  against 
any  orders  issued  by  the  Patron,  afford  tho  on- 
ly possible  opportunity  for  Government  to  in- 
terfere in  regard  to  the  interior.  But  consi- 
dering the  vast  power  vested  in  the  Patron, 
and  the  means  which  he  has  rf  extensive  op- 
pression and  extortion,  I considered  those  pow- 
ers to  be  essentially  necessary ; and  althongh 
1 am  perfectly  sensible  that  they  never  will  be 
exercised,  except  in  an  extreme  case,  yet  the 
result  of  my  subsequent  experience  at  the  Board 
of  Revenue  has  tended  to  shew,  that  it  was 
prudent  to  adopt  the  clauses  in  question. 

With  regard  to  the  encouragement  of  idola- 
try, most  assuredly  nothing  of  the  kind  occurs 
on  tiie  part  of  Government;  unless,  indeed, 
it  be  supposed  tliat  the  liberal  wish  to  protect 
and  secure  its  native  subjects  in  the  due  exer- 
cise of  their  religious  as  well  as  civil  liberties 
he  pronounced  to  he  an  encouragement  of  idola- 
try. If  an  anxious  desire,  on  the  part  of 
Government,  to  remove  all  unlawful  impedi- 
ments and  obstacles  from  out  of  the  way  of  the 
Hindoos  worshipping  with  ease  and  convenience 
to  themselves,  be  construed  into  an  enl^ourage- 
meiit  of  idolatry,  in  that  case,  I apprehend  the 
Bengal  Governaient  must  plead  guilty  to  the 
charge. 


APPENDIX. 


139 


With  regard  to  the  revenue,  that  seems  to 
me  to  be  a question  which  has  been  considera- 
bly misunderstood ; for,  from  the  mode  in  'which 
I have  heard  gentlemen  express  themselves 
with  reference  to  that  point,  they  appear  to 
consider  this  revenue  to  be  taken  as  a price 
for  the  permission  of  idolatry,  and  consequently 
they  seem  to  think,  that  if  the  Government 
would  consent  to  give  up  the  revenue,  the  idola- 
try would  of  coarse  cease.  Surely  nothing  can 
be  more  erroneous  than  the  above  opinion  ; for 
I suppose  no  one  would  venture  to  say,  that 
the  ruling  power  in  Hindostan,  whatever  its  re- 
ligion may  be,  should  interfere  to  prevent  the 
Hindoos  from  having  access  to  their  own  tem- 
ples. If,  then,  you  allow  access  to  the  temple 
at  Jaghanath,  such  access  must  be  subjected  to 
restraint  and  regulation ; and  I know  not  a 
more  powerful  means  of  restraint  and  regula- 
tion than  is  afforded  by  the  tax.  I can  speak 
from  my  own  knowledge  of  the  fact,  that  the 
imposition  of  the  tax,  so  far  from  operating  as 
an  encouragement  to  persons  to  resort  there, 
has  had  a direct  contrary  tendency  ; for  dur- 
ing the  time  that  access  was  allowed  without 
the  tax,  the  tiirong  of  people  at  the  place  was 
so  great,  and  such  a considerable  number  of  the 
poorer  classes  took  that  opportunity  of  visiting 
the  temple,  that  I was  informed  that  several 
persons  perished  from  actual  want  of  subsis- 
tence. The  scenes  oii  the  road  were,  1 am 
told,  truly  shocking;  but  since  the  tax  has 
been  continued,  the  numbers  of  the  pilgrims, 
particularly  of  the  lower  classes,  have  consi 
derably  diminished.  I have  passed  several 


140 


APPENDIX. 


times  backwards  and  forwards  between  Cattacli 
and  Jaghanath  (and  that  too,  jnst  previous  to 
the  Ruth  Jattrah,  or  festival  of  the  Charist) 
without  seeing  many  objects  of  wretchedness. 
I certainly  have  seen  two  or  three  poor  wretch- 
ed objects,  exhausted  by  their  long  journey,  and 
almost  starving.  But  this  is  no  very  great 
matter  of  surprise,  when  it  is  recollected  that 
the  pilgrims  come  from  all  parts  of  Hindostan, 
from  upwards  of  1,600  miles  distance  ; and 
that  a large  proportion  of  these  consist  of  the 
old  and  iiihrm,  who  come  for  the  express  pur- 
pose of  laying  their  bones  within  the  precincts 
of  the  city.  It  seems  to  me  that  the  question 
of  revenue  lies  within  a very  small  compass. 
If  it  be  thought  that  it  is  inconsistent  with  our 
religion  to  permit  the  Hindoos  to  resort  to  their 
temples,  the  tax  in  that  case  is  obviously  im- 
proper ; but  if  it  be  the  duty  of  our  Govern- 
ment to  allow  its  native  subjects  to  worship  ac- 
cording to  their  own  ideas,  I should  regret  to 
see  the  tax  abolished,  as  the  abolition  of  it 
would  render  it  dilhcult  to  restrain  and  regu- 
late the  numerous  bodies  of  pilgrims  who  re- 
sort to  the  place;  and  it  would,  in  all  probabil- 
ity, be  the  cause  of  the  revival  of  those  horrid 
scenes  of  distress  which  w ere  before  experienc- 
ed, when  the  tax  was  discontinued,  and  of  w hich 
t!ie  traces  are  still  to  be  met  with  in  the  nume- 
rous human  bones  on  the  road.  I have  heard 
it  observed,  that  the  tax  in  question  is  some- 
thing similar  to  a tax  upon  gambling  houses,  or 
other  houses  of  i!!  fame:  but  surely  there  is  a 
*most  essential  dif/erenee  between  the  two  cases. 
Tire  objection  to  the  former  I understand  to  be 


APPENDIX. 


141 


this — that  the  taxation  amounts  virtually  to  a 
licence  of  that  which  is,  in  its  nature,  immor- 
al; but  in  this  case,  I do  not  understand  therp 
is  any  question  whether  the  Government  is  to 
allow  its  subjects  access  to  their  own  temples : 
Government  must  admit  the  access,  whether  it 
takes  a tax  or  not.  Under  that  circumstance, 
therefore,  I cannot  see  what  possible  objection 
there  is  to  the  continuance  of  an  established 
tax  of  this  nature,  particularly  wdien  it  is  tak- 
en into  consideration  what  large  pensions  in 
land  and  money  are  allowed  by  our  Government 
in  all  parts  of  the  country,  for  keeping  up  the 
religious  institutions  both  of  the  Hindoos  and 
the  Miisselraans, 

In  respect  to  the  atrocities  said  to  be  prac- 
tised at  the  place,  they  refer  to  the  immola- 
tions under  the  wheels  of  the  car  on  w hich  the 
idol  is  carried.  That  such  things  occur,  there 
can  be  no  doubt ; but  certainly  not  to  the  ex- 
tent, nor  exactly  from  the  same  motive,  as 
seems  to  be  supposed  by  many  in  England.  It 
would  appear  to  be  a prevailing  opinion,  that 
these  immolations  are  of  frequent  occurrence  ; 
that  they  are  a duty  prescribed  to  the  Hindoos 
by  their  religion  ; and,  consequently,  that  such 
duty  is  often  carried  into  performance.  Wheth- 
er it  be  a duly  or  not,  1 cannot  positively  say  ; 
but  I believe  it  to  be  no  part  of  their  religion, 
and  that,  in  point  of  fact,  it  is  no  more  a duty 
prescribed  to  the  Hindoos,  than  it  was  a duty 
prescribed  to  the  Christian  Ascetics  to  live  in 
i the  austere  and  curious  modes  in  which  many 
of  them  formerly  did,  in  the  early  ages  of 
I Christianity.  Indeed,  the  infrequency  of  the 


112 


APPENDIX. 


act  is  the  fullest  proof,  I conceive,  that  it  is 
not  an  act  of  duty  prescribed  to  any  sect  of 
Hindoos  whatever.  I was  at  Jagbanath  dur- 
ing the  whole  of  the  Ruth  Jattrah  (in  1809  I 
think  it  was,)  and  I heard  but  of  one  instance 
of  an  immolation  under  the  wheels  of  the  car. 
1 should  not  suppose  it  possible  that  another 
instance  could  iiave  happened  during  that  fes- 
tival, without  my  hearing  of  it.  But  suppos- 
ing, instead  of  one,  there  were  ten  times  the 
number,  w hat  would  it  amount  to  r — that  out  of 
a population  of  nearly  two  hundred  millions, 
(for  1 suppose  the  whole  of  the  Hindoo  popula- 
tion, as  f^ar  as  Cabul,  to  be  not  much  short  of 
two  hundred  millions,)  there  are  to  be  found 
ten  fanatics,  fools  and  madmen  enough  to  com- 
mit such  an  act  at  Jaghanath. 

There  is  another  matter  to  be  mentioned, 
but  of  which  1 was  totally  ignorant  till  very 
lately,  w hen  it  w as  particularly  painted  out  to 
me,  in  order  that  1 might  say  w hether  it  were 
correct  or  otlierw  ise.  1 allude  to  the  circum- 
stances of  the  indecency  said  to  be  exhibited 
oii  the  ear  of  the  idol.  On  that  point  my  at- 
tention was  directed  to  a publication  by  the 
Rev.  Hr.  Claudios  Buchanan,  who  speaks  of  a 
priest  having  pronounced  cerlaiu  obscene 
stanzas  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  and  of  cer- 
tain indecent  gestures  exhibited  by  a boy  and 
priest  on  the  car.  With  respect  to  the  songs, 
how  the  author  came  to  know  w hat  the  priest 
was  repeating,  he  does  not  state.  I do  not  mean 
to  doubl  the  fuel ; but  I do  think,  if  the  pro- 
cession was  any  thing  at  all  like  that  which  I 
saw,  there  is  no  room  to  suppose  that  the  au* 


APPENDi:i. 


14^ 


thor*s  ears,  even  if  lie  did  understand  the  lan- 
guage, could  have  been  shocked  by  liis  actually 
hearing  the  songs.  To  give  some  idea  of  the 
thing  ti)  gentlemen  in  England,  I would  beg 
them  to  represent  to  themselves  the  car  in  pro- 
gress between  Charing  Cross  and  Parliament 
Street,  t!ie  whole  of  the  way  as  crow  ded  as  pos- 
sible with  people,  clapping  their  hands,  talking, 
shouting,  and  merry-making  ; and  can  it  be 
conceived,  that  in  such  a noise  a person  could 
have  his  ears  shocked  by  hearing  what  the 
priest  was  repeating,  when,  owing  to  the  dis- 
tance of  the  platform  on  which  he  stands,  one 
could  not  by  any  endeavours  get  within  ten 
yards  of  him.  1 am  sure  I could  not  hear  any 
thing  which  was  said  ; and  during  the  whole  of 
the  time  I was  present,  the  noise  was  incessant, 
without  intermission;  and  according  to  the  na- 
ture of  things  I conceive  it  must  be  so,  in  a 
crowd  of  about  one  hundred  thousand.  Upon 
Ibis  point,  however,  if  I can  rely  upon  the  in- 
formation I have  received,  the  songs  in  question 
are  denominated  by  the  natives  Cubhee,  a spe- 
cies of  song  not  very  unlike  that  which  is  ad- 
' mitted  into  our  own  sacred  writings.  Ours,  I 
imagine,  are  not  at  present  read  in  any  part 
of  our  service ; but  whoever  knows  any  thing 
of  the  Hindoos,  must  be  aw  are  that  their  ve- 
neration for  antiquity  will  not  allow'  them  to 
depart  from  any  thing  whicli  has  once  form- 
ed a part  of  their  ceremonies.  With  respect 
to  the  indecent  gestures  said  to  have  been  ex- 
hibited on  the  car,,all  I can  say  is,  that  if  such 
things  are  done,  I never  saw  tliem,  and  what 
nnue.  1 never  lieard  of  them  till  I came  to 


APPENDIX. 


England.  To  give  you  an  irrefragable  proof 
of  what  I have  asserted  relative  to  my  igno- 
rance, and  to  the  ignorance  of  the  other  gentlemen 
on  the  spot,  of  any  thing  of  the  nature  alleged 
ever  happening,  I need  only  mention  that  I be- 
lieve t])ere  was  not  a single  lady  at  the  station 
who  did  not  accompany  her  husband  to  see  the 
procession.  Had  w e had  the  slightest  surmise 
of  that  which  is  asserted  to  be  a fact,  most  un- 
questionably those  ladies  would  not  have  been 
there.  But  1 do  most  solemnly  declare,  that  I 
never  did  hear  the  most  distant  hint  of  any 
thing  indecent  having  been  seen,  or  of  any  thing 
in  the  slightest  degree  resembling  indecency. 
Wiih  re  gard  to  the  temple,  there  certainly  are 
indecent  figures  on  it,  but  certainly  not  more 
than  what  we  see  every  day  in  representations 
of  ancient  sculpture.  Indeed  they  are  so  badly 
done,  that  I do  declare,  that  if  they  had  not 
been  pointed  out  to  me,  I should  never  have 
known  that  they  were  there. 

It  has  been  suggested,  that  I should  say 
something  more  about  the  charge  which  has 
been  made  against  our  Government,  for  not 
interfering  to  put  a stop  to  the  immolations. 
If  I had  been  asked  before  Mr.  Graham  gave 
his  evidence  before  the  House  of  Commons,  I 
should  have  said,  that  I did  not  know  that  the 
Government  bad  interfered  at  all.  1 never 
heard  of  it : and  as  it  appears  to  me  so  utterly 
impossible  for  the  Government  to  interfere  with 
eSect,  I should  have  supposed  they  never  had 
attempted  it.  I have  said  before,  that  I under- 
stand that  it  is  MO  part  of  a duty  prescribed  to 
any  sect  of  Hindoos,  to  devote  themselves  under 


APPENDijC. 


iU 


the  wheels  of  the  car.  I believe,  from  evert 
thing  1 have  heard,  that  the  Brahmins  have  no 
concern  at  all  in  encouraging  the  fanatic  to 
destroy  himself ; and  that,  in  point  of  fact, 
they  are  as  ignorant  of  any  one's  having  the 
intention  of  devoting  himself  as  we  are  here. 
I never  heard  that  there  are  any  previous  ablu- 
tions or  purifications,  which  are  usual  when 
the  priests  interfere  on  se.ch  momentous  occa- 
sions, How  then  can  the  Government  inter- 
fere ? Tlie  man,  I believe,  does  not  communi- 
cate his  intention  : and  I think  it  not  at  ail  un- 
likely that  he  himself  does  not  intend  it,  till  a 
little  before  be  throws  himself  under  the  wheels. 
As  for  preventing  it  at  tlie  spot,  it  is  utterly 
impossible.  in  such  a crowd  no  one  knous 
what  bis  next  neiglibour  is  about.  lu  short,  it 
appears  to  me,  that  people  may  with  as  much 
justice  censure  our  Government  at  home,  for 
not  preventing  suicide  in  the  variety  of  wavs 
in  which  we  are  informed  it  is  practised,  as 
they  may  the  Government  abroad,  for  not  pre- 
enting  the  immolations  in  question. 

I have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

(Signed)  C.  BULLER. 
London,  19th  Muy,  Ibio. 


No. 

TJie  Forerunner  of  the  Holy  Bible  beins;  a 
’-—translation  of  a — Tract  in  the  Bengalee 
Language^  printed  by  the  J^Iissionaries  ; which 
the  Bengal  Gocernrnent  transmitted  to  the 
13 


146 


APPENDIX. 


Court  of  Directors  (marked  B,)  as  being,  itt 
their  judgment,  calculated  to  infame  the  pre- 
judices  of  the  Hindoos.  ( Eadracted  from 
the  East-India  Bapers,  printed  by  order  of 
the  House  of  Commons,  J\"‘o.  142,  jyp.  65,  06.^ 

HEAR,  0 worldly  men!  hear  Mith  ^ii  at- 
tentive mind,  how  you  may  obtain  salvation 
from  terrible  hell.  None  of  you  seek  for  that; 
your  thoughts  are  constantly  employed  about 
money,  about  all  these  trifles,  and  tlris  world  ; 
e very  one  of 'you  is  incessantly  contemplating 
this  world.  All  these  things  will  be  necessary 
but  for  a short  time:  after  death  you  will  by 
no  means  have  property.  Know  all  of  yon, 
Unit  on  being  born  you  must  die,  and  that  after 
death  you  must  either  go  to  heaven  or  to  liell : 
and  without  remission  of  sins  you  cannot  go  to 
heaven  ; with  downcast  countenance  you  will 
be  east  into  awful  hell,  \yhat  is  hell  like,  or 
■what  sort  the  lormeijts  in  it  ? Be  informed  : no 
one  of  you  thinks  of  making  himself  acquainted 
with  that.  Irisunerable  hell  is  tilled  v\ith  ever- 
lasting fire,  wbicli  will  never  be  extinguished. 
On  falling  therein,  brethren,  ti.ere  is  no  further 
preservation  : the  end  of  eternity  is  a begint^ 
ning  to  it.  Ye  are  afraid,  but  afterwards  fall 
into  this  awful  hell.  Beware,  beware  of  this 
inextinguisbahle  fire : make  Christ  your  asylum  ; 
take  an  asylum  ; for  without  that,  no  one  of 
you  will  obtain  salvation.  Both  Hindoos  and 
Mussulmans  have  many  sasters,  the  object 
whereof  we  have  strictly  examined,  and  tliere 
is  no  work  of  true  redemption  among  them  : 
they  are  sasters  for  the  amusement  of  children  : 
they  are  like  tales. 


appendix. 


ur 


In  tlie  Hindoo  sasters  there  is  an  account  of 
ten  incarnations.  Let  me  plainly  state  them, 
and  listen.  In  the  iirst  place,  there  was  ?^ar^ 
rayn  in  the  form  of  a fish,  for  the  protection  ol 
Satcebroto. 

The  second  was  a tortoise,  for  the  support 
of  the  earth  ; the  third  a boar,  to  lift  it  up  : t!ie 
fourth  w as  the  man  lion,  to  destroy  the  demons : 
in  the  fifth,  the  dwarf  took  Bali  to  hell ; in  the 
sixth,  Panusram  destroyed  the  Khitrees  ; in 
the  seventh,  Ramchunder  killed  Kabon  ; in  the 
ei.^lith,  Christna  killed  Caiigra ; and  in  the 
ninth,  Buddha  manifested  tlie  Buddbites.  And 
if  the  story  of  (he  nine  inearnalions  be  true, 
still  there  is  no  redeemer.  V/hat  will  yon  do  ? 
how  will  you  be  redeemed  from  sin? — But  we 
will  point  out  a remedy. 

We  formerly  had  a similar  sastra;  but  when 
we  obtained  the  Great  Sastra,  we  renounced 
that.  Allow  us  to  give  you  some  information 
eoncerniiig  it.  If  you  be  desirous  of  a remedy, 
attend  and  hear. 

At  that  time,  when  the  Almighty  had  finish- 
ed the  creation,  he  gave  a mighty  order  to  all 
men.  He  gave  an  account  of  heaven  and  hell, 
lie  pointed  out  the  distinction  between  rii<lit 
and  wrong.  Hear  all  of  you  my  infallible  or- 
der. What  I say,  I will  do  ; that  is  certain. 
If  any  be  pure  and  practise  holiness,  I will  give 
them  matchless  glory  in  heaven  ; but  if  any  one 
sin,  I will  certainly  cast  him  into  eternal  tire.” 

This  is  the  primary  order  of  God ; after 
which  mankind  became  wicked,  and  God  knew 
it,  but  there  was  no  redemption,  and  he  ordered 
that  some  remedy  should  be  provided.  Through 
his  mercy  there  was  a provision  for  the  ro- 


APPENDIX. 


lib- 

ilempfion  of  sinners.  If  any  person  sliouTd  as- 
sume birlh  on  earth,  ami  take  npoji  himself  the 
torment  of  sinners,  tliose  sinners  who  sincerely 
believe  in  him  should  he  redeemed  ; and  there 
was  an  ineariiatiun  of  Jesus,  the  protector  of 
the  unprotected,  full  of  the  splendour  of  God, 
having  been  se])arated  from  his  body  in  a column 
of  splendour  before  him.  He  said,  I will 
take  birth  on  earth,  and  siifter  all  the  torment 
of  sins  on  my  body.  Whatever  sinners  take 
refuge  under  my  protection,  you  will  grant  them 
salvation.”  God  said,  “ Yes,  this  is  my  pro- 
mise, I will  redeem  them.  Mortals  are  under 
thy  protection.”  After  which,  the  Lord  was 
conceived  in  the  country  of  Judea,  according  to 
prophecy,  in  tlie  womb  of  a woman.  During 
his  life  on  earth,  he  took  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  he  performed  many  miracles  in  va- 
rious places.  The  blind  received  sight;  the 
dead  life.  He  did  many  such  miracles,  he  was 
so  great.  And  he  fulfilled  the  sayings  of  the 
Prophets,  and  was  killed  by  the  hands  of  the 
people  of  his  own  nation,  and  gave  up  his  life 
under  various  kinds  of  torment ; and  after  thr^e 
days  he  arose  again  : and  because  he  suftered 
torment  in  liis  body  for  sins,  therefore  he  was 
denominated  Saviour  of  Sinners. 

Christ  did  not  die  like  people  in  general ; 
he  suffered  much  torment,  and  died  miracu- 
lously. 

When  he  took  upon  himself  to  suJer  for  us, 
his  tornit'ut  was  intolerable.  Amidst  these 
sufferings,  he  called  out  and  said,  “ O God  1 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me,  and  left  me  in  the 
bauds  of  sinners  ?”  And  they  spit  upon  him, 
vexed  him  and  mocked  him,  and  put  a crown  of 


ArPEXDl!^. 


143 


Ihorns  upon  Iiis  head,  and  fixed  his  feet  and 
hands  upon  a cross  with  nails  ; ami  when  thej 
had  inflicted  severe  piuiishinent  upon  him,  they 
killed  him.  They  pierced  his  breast  with  nails, 
and  exhausted  liim ; and  wiien  he  shed  his 
blood,  they  caused  him  to  drink  vine.^ar  mixed 
witli  galls;  and  liaving  tormented  liini  in  this 
manner,  they  killed  him.  Tliey  fastened  t vo 
thieves,  one  on  his  right  hand  and  one  on  his 
left ; and  when  lliey  had  disgraced  him  in  tins 
manner,  tlt“y  killed  him.  In  this  manner  died 
the  Saviour  of  the  World.  On  his  own  body 
he  snflered  the  torment  of  sinners  ; and  it  v.  as 
requisite  for  him  to  do  so  : without  that,  God 
would  not  have  redeemed  mankind.  He  paid 
tlie  ransom  of  all  sinners;  and  according  to  the 
security  which  he  gave,  so  it  came  to  pass. 
His  death  was  the  preservation  of  our  life:  his 
suflerings  were  the  source  of  joy  to  the  whole  of 
us.  Tile  suflerings  of  Jesus  Christ  atoned  to 
God  for  the  torment  of  eternal  hell  lire.  God 
accepted  of  all  that,  and  the  faith  of  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  sake  of  sinners.  He  accepted 
of  the  death  of  Jessis  Christ,  in  exchange  for 
the  eternal  death  of  sinners.  As  righteousuess 
was  the  garment  Jesus  Christ,  so  let  iig  make 
faith  ill  iiim  our  vesture.  We  go  before  God 
after  death.  Can  you  go  in  the  presence  of 
God  } You  cannot  go  before  God  by  taking  the 
name  of  Ram  Chrishn  Sheeb^  or  any  otlier 
deity,  seeing  all  those  sinners  w'as  an  abomina- 
tion to  the  Lord.  They  will  sutFer  eternal  tor- 
ment in  awful  hell;  but  it  is  a great  consola- 
tion to  his  mind  to  hear  of  the  works  and  name 
of  Christ. 


1.3* 


150 


APPENDIX. 


Christ  is  now  with  God,  for  the  redemption 
of  sinners  who  worship  him.  Those  who  die 
worshippers  of  him  on  earth,  he  cheerfully 
takes  to  the  mansion  of  Heaven.  Hear,  hear, 
O people ! hear  my  words.  A copious  work 
on  this  subject,  named  the  Gospel,  was  first  in 
the  Hebrew  and  Greek  : from  these,  the  English 
made  a translation  of  it ; but  not  they  alone  ; 
various  other  nations  made  a translation  of  this 
great  and  principal  Sastra.  The  French, 
Dutch,  Germans,  Hanes,  Armenians,  and  va- 
idous  others,  copied  it.  It  went  to  America 
and  Africa,  and  all  other  countries,  and  to  all 
the  principal  islands.  This  holy  book  went  to 
all  these  countries,  and  even  in  Malabar  it  was 
translated  into  Hindee.  Whoever  obtained  this 
holy  book  renounced  all  previous  sastras,  and 
espoused  it.  It  has  now  been  translated  into 
the  Bengally  language,  and  printed.  Any  one 
who  w ishes  to  Isear  this  work,  may  come  to 
Serampore,  and  we  will  read  it  to  him. 

Printed  at  Serampore,  1806—1213. 

(A  true  Copy.) 

(Signed)  JV*.  B.  Edmonstone, 

Secretary  to  Government. 


No.  \ II. 


Memorial^  addressed  by  the  Baptist  Missiona^ 
Ties  to  the  Right  Honourable  Gilbert  Lord 
Minto^  Governor  General  of  India^  praying 
that  the  Bengal  Government  would  spare  their 
Mission,  Dated  Misssion-House,  Serampore^ 


appendix. 


15  i 

SOth  September  9 1807.  f Extracted  from  the 

Elast-India  Papers^  printed  by  order  of  the 

House  of  Commons,  *N*o.  ±4:2,  pp.  56 — 61.  J 

TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  GILBERT  LORD  MINTO, 
GOV.  GENERAL  OF  INDIA,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

My  Lord, 

1.  THE  Society  of  Missionaries  residing  at 
Serampore  entreat  permission  to  lay  before 
your  Lordship,  with  the  greatest  submission,  a 
full  and  undisguised  statement  of  their  situa- 
tion, circumstances,  and  views  ; humbly  casting 
themselves  on  your  Lordship’s  clemency,  and 
imploring  such  relief  as  your  Lordship’s  can- 
dour, and  wisdom,  and  attachment  to  the  Protes- 
tant Religion  may  suggest. 

2.  Your  Lordship’s  Memorialists  beg  per- 
mission humbly  to  represent,  that  in  the  year 
1792  a number  of  ministers  and  others  of  the 
Baptist  Denomination,  reflecting  on  the  bles- 
sings they  enjoyed  through  the  Christian  Reve- 
lation, and  feeling  it  their  indispensable  duty 
to  attempt  imparting  the  same  to  the  heathen, 
formed  themselves  into  a voluntary  society,  by 
the  name  of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Society; 
and  that  your  Lordship’s  Memorialists,  in- 
fluenced by  the  same  vievvs,  by  the  advice  of 
this  society,  engaged  in  a mission  to  India. 

3.  They  entreat  permission  further  to  state, 
that  one  of  your  Lordship’s  Memorialists  and 
his  friend,  since  dead,  landed  at  Calcutta  in  the 
year  1793  ; w ho  being  soon  after  entrusted,  by 
a gentleman  high  in  the  service,  with  the  care 
of  two  indigo  works  in  the  district  of  Dinage- 
pore,  began  to  learn  the  Bengalee  language 


152 


APPENDIX, 


translate  the  Scriptures,  and  dispense  Christtau 
instruction  to  the  natives  of  that  and  the  neigh* 
Louring  districts : and  although  this  was  con- 
tinued for  six  years,  nothing  appeared  on  the 
part  of  tlie  natives  but  the  highest  satisfaction. 

4.  That  the  Right  Honourable  Lord  Teign- 
inouth,  being  then  Governor  General  of  India, 
was  pleased  to  grant  these  two  ^Missionaries 
the  covenants  of  that  time  granted  to  British 
subjects  in  India. 

5.  They  entreat  permission  further  humbly 
to  represent,  that  in  the  year  1799,  four  other 
Missionaries  arriving  at  Serampore  were  in- 
vited by  his  Excellency  Colonel  Bie,  late  Gover- 
nor of  iSerainpore,  to  settle  in  that  colony,  open 
an  European  school,  set  up  their  printing  press, 
and  instruct  the  natives  of  that  settlement  in 
Christianity,  under  the  patronage  of  his  Danish 
Majesty;  and  that  your  Lordshi})’s  Memo- 
rialists felt  it  their  duty  to  accept  his  Excel- 
lency's invitation. 

6.  I'iiat  ill  consequence  of  a representation 
made  by  his  Exceiieney  Colonel  Bie,  his  Danish 
Majesty  was  pleased  to  direct  the  Royal  Col- 
lege of  Commerce  at  Copenhagen,  to  signify  his 
pleasure  to  the  Governor  of  Serampore,  that 
the  Society  nf  Missionaries  be  considered  as 
under  his  Majesty’s  protection  and  patronage, 
which  they  accordingly  signified  by  a letter 
hearing  date  September  5th,  1801. 

7.  That,  thus  encouraged  by  the  Danish 
Government,  your  Lordship’s  Memorialists  pro- 
ceeded to  print  the  Scriptures  in  the  Bengalee 
language ; and,  by  preaching  and  diffusing  re- 
ligious tracts,  to  instruct  the  native  inhabitants 
ef  that  settlement  in  the  Christian  religion ; 


APPENDIX, 


133 


and  that  his  Excellency  the  late  Colonel  Bie 
was  pleased,  at  the  baptism  of  the  first  Hindoo 
convert,  to  honour  the  Missionaries  with  his 
presence. 

8.  That,  after  the  Scriptures  w ere  published^ 
many  came  to  Serainpore  from  different  parts 
of  the  country  to  request  copies,  and  to  seek 
Christian  instruction  ; and  that  a considerabie 
number,  at  different  times,  have  received  Chris- 
tian baptism. 

9.  That  of  those  who  thus  came  from  a dis- 
tance, some  entreated  your  Lordship’s  Memo- 
rialists to  accompany  them  to  their  respective 
homes,  for  the  sake  of  instructing  their  neigh- 
bours and  friends,  wlio,  though  equally  desirous 
of  Christian  instruction,  were  unable  to  take 
so  long  a journey  : that  in  several  instances 
tliey  complied  with  these  invitations,  and  in- 
variably found  these  excursions  attended  with 
perfect  quietness  as  well  as  safety  to  their  ow  n 
persons,  although  they  appeared  simply  as 
Cliristian  teachers  ; and  the  people  whom  they 
thus  visited  were  in  several  instances  Ma- 
homedans. 

10.  Your  Lordship’s  Memorialists  entreat 
permission  farther  to  represent,  that  on  occa- 
sion of  the  printing  presses  at  Calcutta  being 
placed  under  the  controul  of  Government,  the 
Most  Noble  the  Marquis  Wellesley  was  pleas- 
ed to  inquire  respecting  the  press  at  Seram- 
pore  ; but  on  being  informed  that  (official  pa- 
pers for  the  Danish  Government  excepted)  the 
Missionaries  confined  its  operations  to  printing 
the  Scriptures  and  religious  tracts,  and  made 
it  an  invariable  rule  to  print  nothing  of  a po- 
litical naturcj  his  Lordship  was  pleased  to  ex- 


APPENDIX, 


154! 

press  liis  satisfaction  at  the  press  of  Serampore 
being  thus  employed. 

11.  That  his  Lordship  was  pleased  soon 
afler  to  accept  a copy  of  the  New  Testament, 
translated  by  the  Missionaries  into  the  Betiga- 
Jee  language,  and  to  express  his  approbation  of 
the  undertaking. 

12.  That,  in  1801,  his  Lordship  was  pleased 
to  appoint  one  of  your  Lordship’s  Memorialists 
teacher  of  the  Bengalee  and  Sangskrit  lan- 
guages in  the  College  of  Fort  William. 

13.  That  his  Lordship  was  pleased  soon 
after  to  direct  the  Missionaries  to  prepare  and 
print  the  Psalms  of  David,  and  the  Book  of 
Isaiah,  as  a class-book  in  the  Bengalee  lan- 
guage, for  the  use  of  the  College. 

14.  That  on  a subsequent  occasion,  his  Lord- 
ship  was  pleased  to  assure  one  of  your  Lord- 
ship’s Memorialits,  that  he  was  perfectly  ac- 
quainted with  all  the  concerns  and  operations 
of  the  Missionaries  at  Serampore,  and  felt 
great  satisfaction  at  their  aSairs  being  attended 
with  such  a degree  of  success. 

15.  They  entreat  permission  also  to  repre- 
fcnt,  that  in  the  year  1803  a copy  of  the  New 
Testament,  and  the  Pentateuch,  in  the  Benga- 
lee language,  were  presented  to  his  Majesty  by 
R.  Bowyer,  Esq.  of  Pall  Mall ; and  that  his 
Majesty  was  pleased  graciously  to  accept  them, 
and  to  direct  that  his  Majesty’s  thanks  be  given 
to  the  Baptist  Missionary  Society. 

10.  They  humbly  beg  leave  further  to  repre- 
sent, that  early  in  the  year  1804,  reflecting  on 
the  situation  of  the  different  countries  around, 
as  destitute  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  your  Lord- 
ship’s  Memorialists  felt  it  their  duty  to  request 


API’ENBIX.  - 


155 


llie  assistance  of  the  public  in  Europe,  in  the 
work  of  translating  and  publishing  the  Scrip- 
tures  in  tlie  languages  of  India. 

IT.  That  in  the  year  1805,  a letter  was  re- 
ceived from  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
ciety, of  which  the  Right  Honourable  Lord 
Teignmonth  is  President,  and  the  Bishops  of 
London,  Durham,  Exeter,  and  St.  David’s,  the 
Right  Honourable  Lord  Radstock,  Admiral 
Gambler,  vSir  W.  Pepperell,  William  Wilber- 
force,  and  Charles  Grant,  Esq.  Vice  Presidents  ; 
the  following  extract  from  which,  they  humbly 
entreat  pesmission  to  submit  to  your  Lordship. 

London^  July  23,  1804. 

“ Resolved,-— -That  George  Udny,  Esq.  the 
Reverend  David  Brown,  the  Reverend  Claudius 
Buchanan,  and  Messrs.  Cary,  Ward,  and 
Marshman,  be  requested  to  form  a Committee, 
and  to  correspond  with  the  Society  respecting 
the  best  means  of  promoting  the  object  of  this 
Institution,  with  regard  to  the  Eastern  Lan- 
guages.’’ 

(Signed)  John  Owen,  Secretary. 

18.  That  in  the  year  1806,  your  Lordship’s 
Memorialists  published  a Memoir,  in  India, 
relative  to  the  translations  of  the  Scriptures, 
of  which  copies  were  transmitted  to  the  Honour- 
able the  Court  of  Directors,  the  Right  Honoiir- 
ai)lc  the  President  of  the  British  end  Foreign 
Bible  Society,  the  Riglit  Reverend  the  Bishops, 
tJse  Universities  in  Britain,  and  a number  of 
public  bodies  and  private  gentlemen. 

19.  That  ill  consequence  of  this  Memoir,  a 
considerable  sum  was  subscribed  by  gentlemen 
at  this  Presidency  to  carry  forward  the  w ork  ; 


136 


APPENDIX. 


and  that  subscriptions  have  been  received  dfi 
tlie  same  account  tVom  England  and  Scotland, 
and  also  from  the  United  Stales  of  America. 

20.  Thus  have  your  Lordship’s  Memori- 
alists, humbly  relying  on  your  Lordship’s 
clemency,  laid  open,  in  the  most  unreserved 
manner,  the  whole  of  their  circumstances, 
l^onscious  of  no  evil  design,  they  have  never 
attempted  concealment,  hut  have  year  by  year 
laid  the  whole  of  their  conduct  before  the  pub- 
lic, both  in  Britain  and  India.  And  they  en- 
treat permission  furtlier  humbly  to  slate,  that 
in  the  course  of  their  missionary  labours,  they 
have  baptized  upwards  of  a hundred  natives, 
including  Hindoos  and  iMussulmans  : of  these, 
the  first  ten  were  inhabitants  of  Serampore, 
and  the  rest  such  as  came  from  dilferent  parts 
of  the  country  seeking  Christian  instruction. 
Among  these,  twelve  were  Brahmins,  sixteen 
of  the  Writer  cast,  and  five  Mussulmans.  Your 
Lordship’s  IMemorlalists  entreat  permission  to 
add,  that  neither  the  baptism  of  tlie  Brahmins 
nor  Mussulmans  created  any  kind  of  alarm,  al- 
though the  circumstances  attending  them  were 
j>erfectly  well  known  to  a great  distance 
around. 

21.  Your  Lordship's  Memorialists  humbly 
entreat  permission  further  to  represent,  lival  iii 
thus  alibrding  Cliristian  instruction  to  natives, 
they  were  perfectly  unconscious  of  acting  con- 
trary to  the  declared  will  of  the  British  Nation 
and  Legislature,  or  to  the  existing  regulations 
of  the  Honourable  Compasjy.  Conscious  of 
tlie  salutary  elfcets  of  renovating  the  mind  and 
regulating  the  passions,  they  wished  to  impart 
ihe  blessing  to  their  Hindoo  fellow-subjecU ; 


APPENDIX. 


457 

happy  in  tlie  idea  that  in  every  real  Convert 
they  were  securing  to  their  country  a friend,  a 
subject  obeying  from  new  principies,  and  cor- 
dially attached  to  the  British  Nation  by  new 
and  inviolable  lies. 

22.  They  entreat  permission  further  to  re- 
present, that,  though  perfectly  acquainted  with, 
and  highly  revering,  the  principles  which  in- 
duced the  British  Legislature  to  guarantee  to 
their  Indian  Subjects  the  full  and  undisturbed 
possession  of  their  diftere.it  religions  opinions, 
your  Lordship’s  Memorialists  were  perfectly 
unconscious  of  violating  those  principles,  inas- 
much as  the  most  solemn  engagements  of  this 
nature  in  Britain  are  never  supposed  to  pre- 
clude religious  discussion  ; and  from  the  liberal 
and  generous  nature  of  the  Protestant  religion, 
they  were  led  to  imagine  that  a Protestant  na- 
tion, while  utterly  averse  to  coercion,  could  not 
but  wish  their  Hindoo  subjects  might,  in  some 
prudent  and  safe  method,  receive  Christian  in- 
struction. 

23.  They  humbly  entreat  permission  further 
to  state,  that  this  supposition  was  strengthened 
by  perusing  in  Russell’s  Collection  of  Statutes 
concerning  the  Incorporation,  Trade,  and  Com- 
merce of  the  East'India  Company,  printed  at 
London  in  1786,  and  dedicated  to  the  Right 
Honourable  Henry  Dundas,  an  abridgment  of 
the  Charters  of  Incorporation  granted  to  the 
several  East-lndia  Companies  ; which  abridg- 
ment, among  others,  contains  an  abstract  of  the 
Cliarter  granted  to  the  Honourable  Company 
by  his  Majesty  King  William  the  Third,  ami 
bearing  date  September  5th,  1G08  j in  which  it 


ioS 


APPENDIX. 


is  stipulated,  page  20.  of  the  aht  idgment,  tliat 
“ the  ministers  of  the  llonourahie  Company 
are  to  learn  the  Portuguese  aud  Hindoo  lan- 
guages, to  enable  tliem  to  instruct  t!ie  Gentoos, 
iice.  in  the  Clirlstiaii  religion,  &c.'’ 

21.  Your  Lordshi{)’s  Memorialists  humbly 
acknowledge  to  your  Lordship,  that  the  con- 
duct of  other  Protestant  nations  towards  their 
Indian  subjects,  has  also  tended. to  confirm  them 
in  this  supposition,  particularly  that  of  the 
United  Stales  of  Holland,  who,  w hile  they  al- 
lowed their  Cingalese,  Malabar,  and  Malay 
subjects,  the  free  exercise  of  their  didereht  re- 
ligious, at  the  public  expense  translated  the  sa- 
cred Scriptures  into  the  former  and  latter  of 
these  iiiugiiages,  and  employed  Mi.-isionaries 
and  Catechists  to  instruct  the  natives  in  the 
Cdiristian  religion;  from  which  conduct  your 
Lordship’s  Memorialists  have  never  heard  that 
in  one  single  instance  any  alarm  or  disturbance 
arose,  but  that,  on  the  contrary,  these  convert- 
ed natives  were  often  of  the  highest  political 
service  to  their  respective  governments. 

25.  That  tSie  conduct  of  his  Danish  Majes- 
ty, Frederick  the  Fourth,  who  in  1705.  at  his 
own  expense,  sent  Mes.srs.  Ziegenbalg  and 
(jrundler  to  found  the  Protestant  ^lissiou  at 
Tranquebar,  tended  still  more  to  confirm  tlieir 
minds  in  this  idea,  particularly  when  connect- 
ed with  tiie  subsequent  conduct  cf  the  Bridsh 
Nation  towards  that  Mission  : for  your  Lord- 
slup’s  Memorialists  entreat  permission  to  re- 
present, that  on  the  return  of  the  ?ilissioriary 
Ziegenbalg  to  Eurojie,  nine  yea?’s  after  the  com- 
meueeir.eut  of  tlie  Mission,  lie  was  invited  to  a 
sitting  of  the  Bishops  and  others,  in  the  Socle- 


APPENDIX. 


159 


ly  for  promotin?^  Christian  Knowledge;  and 
that  after  his  return  to  India,  he  was  present- 
ed with  a printer’s  press,  to  encourage  him  in 
the  publication  of  the  sacred  Scriptures  ; that 
this  press  the  Missionaries  set  up  at  Tranque- 
bar,  where  it  still  remains  employed  for  mis- 
sionary purposes,  under  the  patronage  of  his 
Danish  Majesty. 

36.  That  the  gracious  condescension  of  his 
Majesty  George  the  First  by  no  means  tends  to 
weaken  these  ideas : for,  in  addition  to  the  en- 
couragement afforded  these  Missionaries  by  hi* 
subjects,  bis  Majesty  was  pleased  to  write  them 
two  letters  ; in  tlie  first  of  which,  bearing  date 
August  3Sd,  1717',  his  Majesty  w as  pleased  to 
eipress  his  satisfaction  at  the  success  of  their 
labours,  and  to  assure  them  of  the  continuance 
of  his  royal  favour ; and  in  the  second,  dated 
February  23d,  1727,  twenty-two  years  after  the 
mission  had  been  founded  (a  period  in  which 
the  dissemination  of  tlie  Scriptures  and  tlia 
baptism  of  a multitude  of  the  natives  had  fully 
developed  its  nature  and  tendency,)  his  Majes- 
ty was  pleased  to  express  bis  satisfaction  in 
terms  still  stronger,  to  assure  them  that  a con- 
stant account  of  the  progress  of  their  mission 
would  be  acceptable,  and  to  pray  that  they 
might  be  assisted  in  tins  good  work,  that  its 
perpetuity  might  not  fail  in  generations  to 
come.” 

27.  Your  Lordslnp^s  Memorialists  humbly 
entreat  jjermission  further  to  represent,  that  the 
conduct  of  the  Honourable  Company  towards 
the  Missionary  Swartz,  lately  deceased,  has 
tended  to  convince  thcci,  that  in  aftotnpting  to 
afford  Christian  instruction  to  the  Hindoos, 


160 


APPENDIX. 


they  M ere  not  acting  contrar.y  to  the  wit  ■ of  the 
Tlonourahle  Company.  In  conlirmation  of  this 
idea,  they  entreat  permission  to  refer  to  the  ce- 
notaph which  the  Honourable  Company  has 
been  pleased  to  erect  at  Madras  to  the  memory 
of  this  Missionary,  directing  that  the  inscrip- 
tion be  translated  into  the  different  languages 
of  the  country,  tliat  the  natives  may  understand 
the  sense  they  entertain/  of  his  transcendant 
merit  in  ••  abstracting  himself  from  temporal 
views,  and  far  a period  of  fifty  years  going 
about  doing  good,”  in  the  character  of  a Chris- 
tian ^Mi'^sionary. 

28.  Your  Lords!  ip*s  Memorialists  most  hum- 
bly entreat  permission  to  appeal  to  your  Lord- 
ship,  whether  their  eircumstanees  and  employ- 
ment, in  translating  the  Scriptures  and  quietly 
dispensing  Christian  instruction,  he  not  similar 
to  those  of  Ziegenhaig  and  Swartz. 

They  acknowledge  that  their  efforts  bear  no 
proportion  to  the  labours  of  these  excellent 
men,  but  entreat  permission  humbly  to  repre- 
sent, that  their  motives  and  the  nature  of  their 
labours  are  exactly  the  same. 

29.  They  also  entreat  permission  further  to 
represent,  that  from  the  peculiarly  delicate  cir- 
cumstances in  which  the  efforts  of  the  Mission- 
ary Swartz  w ere  made,  among  natives  w hose 
bigotry  greatly  exceeds  lliat  of  the  natives  of 
this  Presidency,  and  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
the  most  inveterate  and  formidable  Mahometan 
power  which  lias  ever  opposed  the  British  na- 
tion, they  w ere  led  to  suppose  that  if  in  these 
circumstances,  attempts  to  instruct  natives  in 
the  Christian  religion  were  not  injurious  to  the 
public  tranquillity,  but  rather  meritorious,  ihpy 


APPENDIX. 


161 


could  not  l>e  of  a different  nature  in  this  Pre- 
sidency? freed  from  every  poR  erful  Mahometan 
neighbour,  and  where  the  natives,  divided  into 
numerous  sects,  indulge  in  literary  and  religi- 
ous discussion  to  an  almost  unbounded  degree. 

30.  That  all  they  have  had  an  opportunity 
of  observing  relative  to  the  natives,  has  con- 
vinced them  of  this  being  their  true  state  and 
disposition.  They  hare  found  that  in  numer- 
ous iustances  discussion  has  been  desired  by 
tlseir  native  teachers,  and  approved  by  the  mul- 
titude, even  when  it  has  ended  to  the  disadvan- 
tage of  their  spirituai  guides;  that  Christian 
instruction  has  been  sought  both  by  Hindoos 
and  Mussulmans  ; that  the  prudent  dissemina- 
tion of  Christian  instruction  for  thirteen  years, 
the  baptism  of  more  tlian  a Imndred  of  the  na- 
tives, and  the  circuiation  of  several  thousand 
copies  of  the  Scriptures,  has  created  no  alarm, 
nor  excited  among  them  the  least  tlissatisfac- 
tion,  during  the  whole  of  tl'is  period.  Tijev 
entreat  permission  also  to  add,  that  one  of  your 
Lordship's  Memorialists  has  been  in  the  liabit, 
for  more  than  live  years,  of  dispensing  Ciiris- 
tian  instruction,  in  Calcutta,  to  his  servants, 
and  such  other  nalives  who  choose  to  attend, 
without  observing  the  most  distant  appearance 
of  discontent.' 

31.  Your  Lords'nip’s  Memoriaiists  humbly 
entreat  permission  further  to  intrude  upon  your 
liordship's  clemeney,  and  to  represent,  lliat 
about  a year  ago  a number  of  Armenians  and 
Protestant  Portuguese,  natives  of  Calcutta, 
stated  to  them  that  they  wished  for  Clirislian 
iustfuciion,  but  were  too  little  acquainted  with 

14* 


162 


APPENDIX. 


l!ie  En^Usli  lan^ua^e  to  roceive  it  at  the  Eng- 
lish ehureh : tiiey  therefore  entreated  your 
Lordship’s  Memorialists  to  afford  it  them  in 
Bengalee,  the  only  language  in  which  tliey 
could  receive  it,  one  of  lliem  offering  to  fit  up 
a part  of  his  house  for  that  purpose.  Xot  im- 
agining that  by  thus  affording  instruction  to 
Protestant  natives,  they  were  acting  contrary 
to  the  will  of  Government,  your  Lordsliip’s 
Memorialists  felt  it  tlieir  du^y  to  comply  with 
tliis  rerpicst.  And  it  is  with  the  deepest  con- 
cern they  learn  that  this  lias  been  meiuioiied  to 
Government,  as  an  atte:npt  to  inffame  the  minds 
of  the  natives,  and  distin  1;  the  public  tranquil- 
lity. 

32.  They  humbly  beg  leave  to  represent,  that 
liearing  instrneti.Vii  in  their  own  language,  na* 
tives  have  occasi(uiai!y  iistoned  wilboiii,  hut 
that  not  the  least  appearance  of  dissatisfaction 
has  been  oliscrsed  among  those  who  iiuve  thus 
oe  e asiona  1 ly  1 i stened . 

33.  Your  Lordship's  Menicrialisls  humbly 
implore  permission  to  represent,  that  it  is  with 
the  deepest  concern  they  understand  apprehen- 
sions for  the  public  tranquillity  have  been  en- 
tertained from  the  productions  of  their  pressi 

34.  They  therefore  humbly  enJrea  permis- 
sion to  lay  before  your  Lordship  a correct  list 
of  the  pamphlets  which  have  issued  therefrom, 
w ith  a brief  view  of  tlieir  contents. 

1.  Tlie  Gospel  Messenger,”  a short  Ben- 
galee poem,  wiilten  to  announce  the  Iransiatioii 
of  tlie  Scriptures.  By  a Hindoo  Pundit,  fav- 
ourable to  Christianity  as  aii  ob  ject  of  discus- 
sion, but  still  professing  Hindooisin. 


APPENDIX. 


las 

2.  ‘‘The  Dawn  of  Wisdom.”  By  the  same 
Punciit.  Written  to  invite  his  couiitrymen  to 
the  investi^^ation  of  Ch.ristianity. 

3.  “ News  relative  to  t'ic  Salvation  of  Man.” 

4.  “ A Summary  of  Ciiristian  Boetriries.” 

5.  “ Tlie  Words  of  Arfeetion.”  a summary 
of  Christianity,  with  an  invitation  to  the  Bin- 
(loos  to  examine  it. 

G.  “ An  Address  to  the  Worsliippers  of  Jug- 
gernaut,”— i pages. 

7.  “ The  DiSerence,”  a comparison  between 
Khrishna  a.nd  Clirist.  A translation  of  this, 
and  the  1st,  5th,  and  Gtli  Articles,  have  been 
published  in  England. 

8.  “ The  Sure  Refuge,”  “ Salutary  Coun- 
sel,” and  the  “ Eniigiitcning  Guide;”  three 
short  Pieces  addressed  to  his  Countrymen  llie 
Hiinloos.  By  Petninher  Sing,  an  aged  native 
Christian. 

9.  “ An  Address  to  Mussulmans  with  an 
A])pendix,  contahiing  some  liccount  of  Mah- 
omet. 

35.  Your  Lordsisip's  ^lemorialists  humbly 
entreat  j>ermission  to  represent,  that  these  pam- 
phlets, with  a few  (hiteeliisms  (two  of  tliem 
]Jr.  Watts’s)  includes  every  thing  they  have 
printed  in  the  luvlive  languages,  except  the 
Scriptures,  a hook  of  ijymns.  and. the  element- 
ary books  printed  for  the  fJollege  of  Fort  Wil- 
liam. The  appendix  in  tiie  9th  article  is  the 
paniji’ilet,  a Persian  tian.siatinn  of  which  was 
laid  before  your  Lordship.  Tills  is  the  only 
one  wliieii  your  Loielship's  Memorialists  have 
at  any  time  addressed  1o  I'ie  Alnss:i!inans,  as 
tiiey  have  general i v found  them  less  fond  of  dis- 
eussion  than  the  ilindoos.  They  entreat  per- 


16i 


APPENDIX. 


mission  to  add,  (hat  the  Address  was  written 
and  printed  in  Engliiiid  several  years  ago,  and 
was  selected  by  your  Lordship's  Memorialists, 
on  account  of  its  conciliatory  tendency ; that 
the  Appendix  was  drawn  up  by  your  Lordship's 
Memorialists  about  three  years  ago,  at  the  re- 
quest of  a number  of  Mussulmans  highly  fond 
of  religious  discussion  ; tijat  none  of  those  ep- 
ithets were  used  respecting  JSLahomet  which 
appeared  in  the  Persian  translation,  and  that 
your  Lordship's  Memorialists  never  lieard  of 
any  Mussulman  being  displeased  by  the  perusal 
in  the  Bengalee  of  the  original  copy,  aithougli 
it  has  been  read  for  nearly  three  years.  They 
entreat  permission,  liowever,  to  represent,  tliat 
on  receiving  tlie  first  information  of  your  Lord- 
ship's  pleasure,  tiiey  withdiew  it  from  circula- 
tion in  every  form. 

.30.  They  entreat  permission  to  assure  your 
Lordship,  that  notliing  cun  he  farther  from 
them,  than  an  indifference  to  the  public  tran- 
quilHty.  Convinced  as  they  are,  by  all  the  ob- 
servations (hey  have  been  able  to  make,  that 
the  British  Government  is  the  greatest  national 
blessing  vouchsafed  by  Divine  Providence  to  In- 
dia for  many  ages  ; and  that  the  safety  of  them- 
selves and  tlieir  families,  and  of  their  native 
converts,  depends  in  a peculiar  manner  on  the 
permanent  prosperity  of  the  British  Govern- 
ment ; they  entreat  your  Lordship  to  judge 
whciher  the  dictates  of  Religion  do  not  concur 
with  those  of  the  soundest  reason,  in  urging 
them  to  promote,  hy  every  possible  means,  tdie 
peace,  (ranquiliily.  and  prosperity  of  the  Brit- 
ish Empire  in  India. 

3 \ Your  Lordship's  3Icmoriali -ts  humbly 


APPENDIX. 


165 


entreat  permission  further  to  represent,  that 
they  now  have  in  the  press  transl.ttions  of  the 
Scriptures  in  the  Sangskrit,  tiie  Bengalee,  tise 
Hisidee,  the  Orissa,  the  MaJiratta,  and  the  Guz- 
zeratter  languages,  wliicli  they  iaave  pleJged 
themselves  to  the  public  in  Britain,  America, 
and  in  India,  to  print  at  a stipulated  price,  a 
price  precluding  any  profit  arising  to  them- 
selves from  this  work  of  public  and  gratuitous 
benevolence. 

38.  That  for  the  sake  of  executing  these 
works,  and  others  which  they  are  printing  at  ii 
stipulated  price  for  the  College  of  Fort  Wil- 
liam and  the  Asiatic  Society,  and  the  accom- 
modation of  those  concerned  in  them,  they  have 
been  obliged  to  purchase  and  fit  up  premises  at 
an  expense  of  more  than  sixty  thousand  rupees; 
an  expense  involving  them  in  debts  which  the 
most  persevering  industry  and  the  most  rigid 
economy  has  not  enabled  them  in  seven  years 
wholly  to  liquidate.  They  humbly  entreat  per- 
mission further  to  state,  that  these  premises,  if 
abandoned, could  be  let  only  fora  small  monthly 
rent,  and  would  indeed  be  ineligible  to  any  sin- 
gle family,  or  to  persons  in  a different  line  of 
business  ; while  premises  equally  spacious  and 
convenient  could  not  be  obtained  at  Calcutta 
for  the  montlily  rent  of  a thousand  rupees. 

89.  That  in  consequence  of  the  difference  in 
the  price  of  house  rent  and  other  neeessaries 
of  life,  naturally  existing  between  the  metrop- 
olis of  India  and  a small  country  town,  the 
wages  of  native  workmen  in  the  printing  line 
at  Calcutta  are  nearly  double  those  given  at 
Serampore.  Such  works,  however,  as  your 
Lordship'S  Memorialists  have  engaged  in,  with 


APPENDIX. 


loa 

a view  to  j)Dblie  sale,  relating  clueHy  (o  Oj  ieii- 
tal  Literature,  are  exceedingly  Ilinited  and  pre- 
carious in  the  sale,  and  will  permit  no  addition 
being  niiide  to  their  price. 

40.  That  your  Lordship’s  Memorialists,  with 
their  wives  and  children,  forming  a family  of 
more  than  thirty  Europeans,  are  by  their  mis- 
sionary circumstances  laid  under  the  necessity 
of  adopting  a degree  of  economy  and  frugality 
practicable  only  in  a retired  country  situation 
as  well  as  of  training  up  their  children  (twen- 
ty in  number)  in  the  same  course  ; they  there- 
fore entreat  permission  to  represent  to  your 
Lordship's  consideration,  that  these  circum- 
stances constrain  them  to  contemplate  a remo- 
val to  Calcutta  with  the  utmost  dread,  as  in- 
volving the  speedy  and  inevitable  ruin  of  them- 
selves and  tiieir  families. 

41.  They  beg  leave  therefore  to  cast  them- 

selves on  your  Lordship’s  clemency,  and  with 
the  utmost  deference  to  submit  their  circHni- 
stanees  to  your  Lordship’s  humanity  and  wis- 
dom, humbly  imploring  the  great  Author  of  the 
Cii.ristiaiTReiigiou  to  pour  down  on  your  Lord- 
ship  his  choicest  blessings,  that  yoiii  Lordship’s 
CioverDinent,  tranquil  and  happy  to  your  Lord- 
ship,  may  be  productive  of  the  most  benehcial 
and  lasting  effects  to  the  millions  confided  to 
your  Lordship’s  care ; and  that  at  a very  dis- 
tant period  your  Lordship  may  receive  from 
His  gracious  hand  a crown  of  glory  that  fadeth 
not  away  ! We  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
(Signed)  TV.  Carey,  TFni.  Moore, 

Jo.  Marshman,  Josh.  Jioive, 

Wm.  Ward,  Felix  Care^y^ 
^fission  House,  Scrampore,  30th  Sept.  180r. 


APPENDIX. 


±67 


No.  Till. 

NATURAL  HISTORY  CULTIVATED  BY  THE  PRO- 
TEST  ANT  IMISSION  ARIES  IN  INDIA. 

A VERY  erroneous  idea  prevaiis  in  Eng- 
land respecting  the  general  character  and  pur- 
suits of  the  Missionaries  in  India.  The  com- 
mon impression  is,  that  they  hare  no-  occupa- 
tion but  that  of  preaching.  The  following  ex- 
tracts from  a late  publication  of  the  aged  Mis- 
sionary, the  Rev.  Dr.  Jolm,  will,  it  is  hoped, 
tend  to  put  the  public  mind  right  in  this  in- 
stance. Dr.  John  has  been  forty  years  in  In- 
dia, being  a member  of  ti'.e  Alission  at  Tran- 
quebar,  in  the  South  t and  is  now  actively  em- 
ployed in  the  benevolent  work  of  organizing 
native  schools,  for  the  instruction  of  the  Hin- 
doos and  others  in  general  asenii  knowledge. 
At  these  seliools,  it  is  optional  for  the  children 
to  learn  Christian  principles  or  not. 

The  ?»lissionaries  have  not  been  negligent 
of  Indian  literature  or  natural  Jiistory,  But  have 
communicated  on  these  topics  with  the  learned 
of  past  and  present  times.  What  Ziegenbalg, 
M^alter,  M idebrog,  have  done  in  the  first  hall- 
ceivtnry  of  the  Mission,  respecting  Indian  geo- 
graphy, history,  and  religion,  ancient  vrritings, 
6ce.  may  be  seen  in  Niecamp's  Extract  of  the 
Mission  Accounts,  which  has  been  published  in 
German  and  I^atin. 

M'hen  I arrived  in  India,  I found  in  onr 
Aiisslon  Library  a whole  press  of  ancient  man- 
uscripts on  palm  leaves,  concerning  the  Hindoo 
or  Brahmin  religion,  or  Vedalis  ami  Shasters, 
and  oU  medical  science,  of  which  there  was 


163 


APPENDIX. 

a manuRcript  book  umlor  the  title  of 
]\iejlleus  ^Malabaiicus,  and  Mythologia  Mala- 
barica,  and  many  more  relics  of  botanical  ob- 
servations, witii  oilier  testimonies  of  the  many 
laliours  and  attentions  of  the  older  Missiona- 
ries in  difierent  sciences.  But  by  the  in- 
clemency of  the  climate,  and  the  want  of  means 
to  preserve  and  pay  due  attention  to  tliese  lit- 
erary treasures,  a great  deal  has  been  unhappi- 
ly lost.  However,  what  was  still  legible  has 
been  copied,  and  made  use  of  in  later  times. 

Of  the  literary  ti'ansaetions  in  the  present 
half  century  of  the  Mission,  I will  only  men- 
tion w ivh  a grateful  sense  the  merits  of  the  late 
Dr.  Koeing,  wlio  was  a scholar  of  the  great 
Linneens.  Aly  colleague,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rottle; , 
and  myself,  have  profited  much  by  his  indefa- 
llga!)ie  zeal  in  communicating  his  extensive 
knowledge  of  natural  history,  which  he  also 
shewed  to  many  English  gentlemen  when  he 
entered  into  the  English  service. 

Afti  r him  Dr.  Martiiti,  and.  in  later  years, 
Dr.  Klein,  united  us  in  this  favourite  science. 
In  acknowledgment  of  our  services,  we  were 
favoured  by  our  plsilosopiiical  friends  w’itli  fbeir 
latest  works  on  all  the  branches  of  natural  his- 
tory published  by  Chemnitz,  Schreber,  Esper, 
Herbot,  Wildenow,  Ealsek  and  Russel,  &.c. 
To  assist  us  in  tliese  pursuits,  we  found  among 
tlie  natives  many  an  able  youtli,  insomuch  tliat 
1 have  succeeded  in  sending,  during  my  stay  in 
India,  above  an  liundred  boxes  of  curiosities 
collected  in  many  eoiinlries  and  islands  in  the 
Indian  seas,  besides  tlie  many  botanical  speci- 
mens seiit  i)y  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rottler  and  Dr. 
Klein. 


APPENDIXi 


169 


In  our  missioii  garden  is  kept  a nursery  of 
the  best  most  useful  fruit  trees,  native  and 
foi  eign.  Tliis  is  open  to  Europeans  and  na- 
tives in  our  district  when  lliey  wish  for  planis. 
If  free  schools  shall  be  established  and  super- 
intended by  intelligent  school  rectors  from 
England  and  Germatiy,  amongst  tiiese  some 
will  be  acquainted  with  agriculture,  grafting, 
atql  other  particulars  of  gardening.  Much  of 
this  can  be  applied  to  our  Indian  climate. 
Many  barren  or  Jess  cultivated  lands  can  be 
improved,  and  many  hilly  or  flat  districts  tilled 
with  timber  and  fruit  trees,  or  made  to  nourish 
small  grains  and  bulbs,  cotton,  dying  and  medi- 
cal plants,  &c.  I am  sure  that  many  European 
gentlemen  wlio  have  or  will  lay  out  gardens 
w ill  be  very  glad  iftljey  can  procure  European 
school  inspeciors,  w'no  may  occasionally  super- 
intend such  gardens,  and  instruct  tlm  frequently 
stupid  and  ignorant  native  gardeners  in  the 
art  of  gardening.  How  much  have  I lamented 
on  my  travels  tlirough  the  country,  esjiecially 
aftp-  destructive  inundations  when  1 have  pass- 
ed-'rivers,  lakes,  and  tanks,  that  the  banks  on 
many  places  are  so  ill  attended  to,  though  tlieir 
frequent  failures  might  so  easily  he  prevented 
by  planting  on  them  the  most  comm  ui  shrubs. 
When,  for  instance,  1 travciied  with  the  late 
jHr.  Gericke  through  the  hills  and  villages 
from  Chingeiput  to  St.  Thome,  we  conversed 
together,  and  both  felt  nnich  concern  that  these 
long  tracts  were  so  liitle  and  so  insuflicienlly 
cultivated  ; and  I could  not  iielp  expressing  my 
wish  that  I might  have  tliem  under  my  dis- 
posal and  direction,  if  they  were  not  so  distant 
15 


iro 


APPEMDiJi. 


from  Tranqiiebar.  How  many  millions  of  iLe 
most  useful  palmeira  trees,  and  ot':cr  timber 
and  fruit  trees,  could  be  raised  in  the  most  bar- 
ren  billy  districts,  if  the  European  inspectors 
of  free  schools  were  placed  throughout  the 
country  ; who,  in  their  visitations  of  the  schools, 
might  attend  to  these  objects,  and  engage  the 
nafive  schoolmasters  with  their  pupils  to  assist 
in  them  at  their  leisure  hours,  and  according 
to  their  capacities.  1 would,  indeed,  particu- 
larly advise  that  the  poor  children  should  by 
no  means  sit  the  whole  day,  bent  over  their 
books  and  palmeira  leaves.  If  Dr.  Bell  and 
Mr.  Lajicaster's  plans  are  gradually  introduced, 
the  youth  will  learn  in  one  forenoon  more  than 
in  an  whole  day,  if  the  old  custom  should  be 
continued.  In  tlje  afternoon,  they  can  be  em^ 
ployed  in  some  exercises  of  the  body,  in  order 
to  make  them,  from  their  earliest  age,  industri- 
ous, laborious,  and  active-— *fit  for  every  useful 
business.  Thus  may  also  those  European  rec- 
tors of  native  schools,  who  have  a knowledge 
of  mechanics,  or  who  have  been  dyers, 
ers,  carpenters,  instrument  makers,  and  thjse 
w ho  have  w orked  in  minerals,  be  of  great  use 
in  this  country,  and  may  make  at  least  some  of 
their  pupils  acquainted  with  their  respective 
professions. 

“ The  European  gentlemen,  judges,  collec- 
tors, residents,  and  those  in  other  stations  in 
tiie  Honourable  Company’s  service,  cannot  at- 
tend to  or  enter  into  the  above-mentioned  de- 
tails, if  they  are  not  assisted  by  intelligent 
men  of  a lower  situation,  who  are  contented 
with  small  salaries,  but  can  render  themselves  of 
great  use  under  their  patronage ; not  only  in 
attending  to  the  schools,  but  to  secondary  em- 


APPENDIX. 


in 


ploynienti?,  such  as  those  before  named.  IMy 
late  and  living  friends,  Dr.  Anderson,  Dr.  Rus- 
sel, Dr.  Boxburgh,  and  Dr.  Benjaniin  Hejne, 
would  undoubtedly  have  had  much  greater  suc- 
cess in  their  beneiicial  researches,  if  they  had 
found  such  assistants  as  these  in  their  pursuits.” 
■—Rev.  C S.  John  on  Indian  Civiliz.  ji.  39 — 43. 

Dr.  Carey  and  his  fellow-labourers  in  the 
North  of  India  have  not  been  inattentive  to  na- 
tural history.  Dr.  Carey  himself  has  studied 
it  more  particularly,  and  cultivates  a small  bo- 
tanical garden  at  Serampore.  He  has  also  at- 
tendt^d  to  statistical  and  agricultural  subjects. 
See  his  paper  “ On  the  State  of  Agriculture  in 
the  District  of  Dinajpur;”  inserted  in  Asiatic 
Researches,  vol.  x.  art.  1. 


No.  IX. 


Report  of  the  IMMOLATION  of  FEMALES, 

between  Cossimbazar,  in  Beng-al,  and  the  Mouth  of 
the  Hoog-hly,  in  the  months  of  May  and  June,  1812, 
(Extracted  from  an  Account  of  the  Writing's,  Religi- 
on, and  Manners  of  the  Hindoos,  &c.  by  \V.  Ward, 
one  of  the  Missionaries  at  Serampore.) 


Places. 

Pemale's  Name. 

Age. 

Children 

left. 

Susbar.d’s  Cast. 

Kaleeka-poora 

- Hira  - - 

- 18 

1 

Brail  77m 

Ditto  ...  - 

- Radha 

- 22 

2 

Oilman 

Ditto  - - - 

. Swkhee  . 

- 33 

2 

Blacksmith. 

Ditto  ... 

- Sar77tee  - 

- 25 

2 

Brahmi.'n 

Ditto  ... 

. Kflomaree 

- 40 

4 

Carpenter 

Balooch?/ra 

- Karainee 

- 32 

3 

Brahm77n 

Bam7/nfya 

- Rajee 

- 25 

3 

Kaist’ha 

Ditto  ... 

- Roopee  - 

- 25 

2 

Brail  m77n 

Shree-n?^g7^ra 

- Fumula  - 

- 31 

3 

Carpenter 

J?7y  77-para 

- Ko77sh77lya 

- 45 

5 

Gardener 

Ditto  . 

- Five  women  — 

4 

Merchant 

Kaalu'm-bazar 

- Soond77ree 

- 35 

O 

Goldsmith 

Pitto  - - - 

- Dasee 

- 34 

o 

9 

Brasier 

1^3  APPENDIX. 


ftacu. 

Ftntnlc's  Name. 

Age. 

Children 

left. 

Huiband'i  Ca:t. 

Ciilcutta  - 

- 

- Slivaraee 

- 32 

2 

Brai.mwn 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Tara  - - 

- 19 

1 

Goldsmith 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Soondw’ee 

- 31 

3 

Blacksmith 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Jeei-a 

- 25 

3 

Kiv/irtto 

Bihya  - - 

- 

- Rammuiiee 

- 27 

2 

Brahmt/n 

K^fniula-poora 

- IRftuna  - 

- 16 

0 

Husbandman 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Mi/nee  - 

- 33 

3 

Oilman 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Dasee 

- 25 

2 

Goldsmith 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Bhwppfvidee  38 

4 

Rajpootfl 

Ditto  - - 

. 

- L?/kshinee 

- 60 

5 

■Washerman 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Shyamee 

- 50 

3 

Gardener 

Ditto  - - 

- 38 

4 

Oilman 

3^fana-singlm 

pooraDarrunee 

- 40 

3 

Kaist’ha 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Piidma  - 

- 33 

2 

Ditto 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Lideeta  - 

- 45 

6 

Ditto 

Ditto  - - 

- 

Somee  - 

- 30 

3 

Carpenter 

Burdhmaii 

- 

- Koomaree 

- 23 

O 

Rajpoota 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Droptidee 

- 31 

3 

Carpenter 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Tripoc/ra 

- 38 

4 

Blackmith 

Koch7i-n?igtira 

- Dwya 

- 35 

4 

Ditto 

Brahmuii-poora 

- Nt/yanee 

. 21 

3 

Weaver 

Xwya-sevai 

- 

- Sidhoo 

- 25 

3 

Potter 

Inkoo-seraj 

- 

- llif  111  trace 

- 19 

1 

Brahm?m 

Ditto  - - 

. 

- Swkhee  - 

- 32 

o 

Ditto 

Ditto  - - 

. 

- Shomee  - 

- 30 

3 . 

Barber 

Shree-niig^^ra 

- Vimtila  - 

- 31 

3 

Carpenter 

Ram-poora 

- 

- Shyamee 

- 38 

3 

Brahmmi 

Aimr-poora 

- 

- K/nee 

- 15 

1 

Bagdee 

Gopal-nwg'wra 

- Soiia  - - 

- 39 

o 

Ki'.tirtta 

iMamk;-p5orrt 

- 

- Bh?/\vunee 

- 29 

3 

Ditto 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Bhabniee 

- 38 

2 

Gardener 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- S7ii*w3svutee 

19 

1 

Oilman 

Ditto  - - 

. 

- V^s^'k^a 

- 40 

4 

Weaver 

Tareshwwia 

- 

- Shyamee 

- 37 

4 

B ulimwi 

Ichan77g77i-ya 

- 

- Pi/ya 

- 17 

1 

Ditto 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Clutra 

- 52 

4 

Ditto 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Kalmdee 

- 25 

2 

Oilman 

Kaiiflya 

- 

- ]MohzViee 

- 33 

4 

Barber 

'I'eghwiiya 

- 

- So6»nduree 

- 38 

3 

Kiv7/rtta 

Ditto  - - 

- 

- Siitzsliee  - 

- 33 

3 

Barber 

Ditto  - - 

. 

- Xt/yanee 

- 25 

3 

Brahmtzn 

Dhunakz^h* 

- 

- 12  women 

- — 

30 

K.  Brahmtm 

APPENDIX. 


173 


This  last  mentioned  Brahm?m  had  married 
twenty-five  women,  thirteen  of  ^^hom  died  dur- 
ing his  life-time  : the  remaining  twelve  perish- 
ed with  him  on  the  funeral  pile,  leaving  thirty 
children  to  deplore  the  fatal  effects  of  this  hor- 
rid system. 

Some  years  ago,  a Kooleena  Brahm2in,of  con- 
siderable property,  died  at  Sooknclmra,  three 
miles  east  of  Serampore.  He  had  married  more 
than  forty  women,  all  of  w hom  died  before  him 
excepting  eighteen.  On  this  occasion,  a fire, 
extending  ten  or  twelve  yards  in  length,  was 
prepared,  into  which  the  remaining  eighteen 
threw  themselves,  leaving  more  than  forty 
children,  many  of  whom  are  still  living. 


No.  X. 

TESTIMONY  of  the  Hon.  ihc  East-lndia 
Company  to  the  Character  of  Mr.  Sa'Akrz.* 

(Extracted  from  a Preface  to  a Funeral  Sermon,  ]>Teach- 
ed  in  St.  Mary’s  Church,  Fort  St.  George,  by  order 
of  the  Hon.  Court  of  Directors,  on  the  opening-  of  Mr. 
vSwartz'.-  Monument  set  up  in  that  Church.  By  R.  H. 
Kerr,  D.  D.  Senior  Chaplam  of  Fort  St.  George.) 

PUBLIC  DEPARTMENT. 

To  Rev.  l)r.  Kerr,  Sen.  Chap.  atFort.St.  George. 
kevehexd  sir, 

I am  directed  by  the  Rt.  Hon.  the  Governor 
in  Council  to  enclose,  for  your  information  and 

* Suppresssd  by  the  Bengal  Government. 

15* 


APPENDIX. 


in 

guidance,  the  Extract  of_a  late  Letter  from  the 
Hon.  the  Court  of  Directors,  and  to  inform  you 
of  the  wish  of  his  Lordship  in  Council,  that  early 
measures  may  be  taken  for  erecting  in  St.Mary’s 
Church  the  nionumeut  which  has  been  transmit- 
ted to  this  place  by  the  Hon. Court,  as  a tribute  of 
respect  to  the  memory  of  the  lateRevMr.Swarfz. 

2.  His  Lordship  in  Council  directs  me  also 
to  express  his  confidence  that  your  endeavour 
w ill  be  exerted  to  give  every  practicable  eftect  to 
the  farther  suggestions  of  the  Hon.  Court,  with 
regard  to  the  best  means  of  conveying  an  ade- 
quate impression  of  the  exalted  worth  of  that 
revered  character,  and  his  Lordship  will  be 
prepared  to  give  every  facility  to  the  measures 
which  you  may  propose  on  this  subject. 

I have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

G.  BUCH  AN,  Chief  Sec. 

Fort  St.  Georg-e,  16th  June,  ISOr. 


E.vtract  of  a General  Letter  from  England,  in 
the  Public  Department,  dated  Oct.  20,  1806. 

3.  By  our  extra  ship  the  Union  you  will  re- 
ceive in  four  packing-cases,  numbered  1 to  4,  a 
marble  Monument,  which  has  been  executed 
by  Mr.  Bacon  under  our  directions,  to  the  me- 
mory of  the  Rev.  Christian  Frederick  Sw  artz, 
as  the  most  appropriate  testimony  of  the  deep 
sense  w e entertain  of  his  transcendant  merit,  of 
liis  unwearied  and  disinterested  labours  in  the 
cause  of  religion  tind  piety,  and  the  exercise  of 
the  purest  and  most  exalted  benevolence  ; also 
of  his  public  services  at  Tanjore,  w here  the  in- 


APPENDIX. 


±75 


Alienee  of  his  name  and  character,  through  the 
unbounded  confidence  and  veneration  which  they 
inspired,  was  for  a long  course  of  years  pro- 
ductive of  important  benefits  to  the  Company. 

4.  On  no  subject  has  the  Court  of  Directors 
been  more  unanimous,  than  in  their  anxious  de- 
sire to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  this  eminent 
person,  and  to  excite  in  others  an  emulation  of 
liis great  example:  we  accordingly  direct,  that 
the  Monument  be  erected  in  some  conspicuous 
situation  near  the  altar,  in  the  Church  of  St. 
Mary,  in  the  Fort  St.  George  ; and  that  you 
adopt,  in  conjunction  and  with  the  assistance  of 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Kerr,  the  Senior  Chaplain  at  your 
Presidency,  any  other  measures  that  your  judg- 
ment shall  suggest,  as  likely  to  give  effect  to 
these  our  intentions,  and  to  render  them  impres- 
sive on  the  minds  of  the  public  at  your  settle- 
ment. As  one  of  the  most  efficacious,  we  would 
recommend  that,  on  the  first  Sunday  after  the 
erection  of  the  Monument,  a discourse  adapted 
to  the  occasion  be  delivered  by  the  Senior  Chap- 
lain. We  desire  also  that  the  native  inhabi- 
tants, by  whom  Mr.  Swartz  was  so  justly  rever- 
ed, may  be  permitted  and  encouraged  to  view 
the  Monument,  after  it  shall  have  been  erected  ; 
and  that  translations  be  made  of  the  inscription, 
into  the  country  languages,  be  published  at  Ma- 
dras, and  copies  sent  to  Tanjore  and  the  other 
districts  in  which  Mr.  Swartz  occasionally  re- 
sided and  established  seminaries  for  religious 
iustruction. 

5.  We  were  much  gratified  by  learning  that 
his  Excellency  the  Rajah  of  Tanjore  had  also 
been  desirous  of  erecting  a Monument  to  the 
memory  of  ISir.  Swartz,  ia  the  Church  which 


APPENDIX. 


iro 

was  built  by  Mr.  Swartz  himself  in  the  inner 
fort  of*  that  capital,  and  had  sent  directions  ac- 
cordingly to  this  country,  in  consequence  of 
which  a Monument  has  been  executed  by  Mr. 
Flaxman.  We  shall  give  directions  for  its  be- 
ing received  on  board  one  of  our  ships  free  of 
freight;  and  we  desire  that  you  \\ill  aSbrd  eve- 
ry facility  towards  its  conveyance  to  Tanjore. 
(A  true  Extract)  G.  G.  KEBLE,  ^'ec. 


COPY 

OF  THE  mSCRIPTIOX  ON* 

MR.  SWAUTZ’s  MONUMENT. 

C Dictated  by  the  Hon.  Court  of  Directors.  J 

SACRED  TO  THE  MEMORY 

of  the  Reteheitd  FnErEHicK  Christian  Swartz, 
Whose  life  was  one  continued  effort  to  imitate  the 
Example  of  his  BLESSED  MASTER. 
Employed  as  a Protestant  Missionary  from  the 
Goverxmext  of  Denmark, 

And  in  the  same  character  by  the  Society  in  Exgeaxd 
for  the  Promotion  of  Christian  Knowledge, 

He,  during  a period  of  fiftt  tears,  “ Went  about 
Doing  Good 

Manifesting,  in  respect  to  himself,  the  most  entire 
abstraction  from  temporal  views, 

But  embracing  every  opportunity  of  promoting  both 
the  temporal  and  eternal  Welfare  of  others 
In  him  beligiot  appeared  not  witli  a gloomy  aspect 
or  forbidding  mien. 

But  with  a graceful  form  and  placid  dignity* 
Among  the  many  fruits  of  his  indefatigable  labours  was 
the  erection  of  the  church  at  Tatjore. 

The  savings  from  a small  salary  were,  for  many  years, 
devoted  to  the  pious  work. 

And  the  remainder  of  the  expence  supplied  by 
Individuals,  at  his  solieUation, 


APPENDIX. 


irr 

The  Christian  Seminaries  at  R.uixADPOTiA>r  and  in 
The  Tia'xevelly  province  were  established  by  him, 
1^0 loved  and  honoured  by  Europeans, 

IJe  was,  if  possible,  held  in  still  deeper  reverence  by  the 
natives  of  this  country,  of  every  degree  & every  sect; 
And  their  unbounded  confidence  in  his  integrity  and 
Truth  was,  on  many  occasions  rendered  highly 
beneficial  to  the  public  service. 

The  POOH  and  the  i^'Juhed 
Looked  up  to  him  as  an  unfailing  friend  and  advocate  ; 
Tlie  GREAT  and  powerfgi. 

Concurred  in  yielding  him  the  highest  homage  ever  paid 
in  this  Quarter  of  the  Globe  to  Eijropea>^  virtue. 

The  late  Hyder  Ally  Cawk, 

In  the  midst  of  a bloody  and  vindictive  war  with  tire 
Carxatic,  sent  orders  to  his  Officers  “to  permit 
the  venerable  father  Swartz  to  pass  unmolested,  and 
shew  him  respect  and  kindness,  for  he  is  a 
Holy  ]Man  and  means  no  harm  to  my  Government.” 

The  late  Tuxjaja,  Rajah  of  Taxjore, 
when  on  his  deaih-bed,  desii’ed  to  entrust  to  his  protect- 
ing care  his  adopted  Son,  Serfojee,  the  present  Rajah, 
with  tlie  administration  of  all  affairs  of  ids  Country. 
On  a spot  of  ground  granted  to  him  by  the  same  Prince, 
two  Miles  east  of  Tanjorc, 

He  built  a House  for  his  Residence  and  made  it  an 

OHP.HAX  ASYLUJI. 

Here  the  last  twenty  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  the 
education  and  reiigious  instruction  of  Children, 
Particularly  those  of  indigent  parents — whom  he 
gratuitously  maintained  and  instructed  : 

And  here,  on  the  13th  of  Februa.ry,  1798, 
Surrounded  by  his  infant  dock  and  in  the  presence  of 
several  of  his  disconsolate  brethren. 
Entreating  them  to  continue  to  make  religio^t 
tlie  first  object  of  their  care. 

And  imploring  witli  his  last  breath  the  Divine  Blessing 
on  their  Labours,  he  closed 
His  truly  Christian  Career,  in  the  72d  year  of  his  Age. 
THE  EaST-InDIA  CoJIPAVY, 

Anxious  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  such  transcendant 
Worth,  and  gratefully  sensible  of  the  Public  Benefits 
w hicb  resulted  from  its  influence, 

Caused  this  Monument  to  be  erected,  A.  D.  1807, 


APPENDIX. 


iT8 


No.  XI. 

T^ie  APOLOGY  of  Air,  SfVAnrz,  in  Answer 
to  a Speech  delivered  in  the  British  Parlia- 
ment^  in  1793. — f Extracted  from  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Honourable  Society  for  pro- 
vioting  Christian  Knowledge. J 

A LETTER*  lias  been  received  from  Mr. 
t^wartz,  dated  at  Taiijore,  February  13,  1794, 
written  in  consequence  of  his  having  perused 
at  Vallani,  in  a newspaper  called  the  Courier, 
of  Friday,  May  34th,  1793,  some  animadver- 
sions on  their  Mission,  the  Missionaries  in  gen- 
eral, and  himself  in  particular,  and  containing 
a vindication  of  himself,  the  other  Missiona- 
ries, and  the  Missions,  against  the  misrepre- 
sentations produced  to  the  public  in  those  ani- 
madversions. This  letter,  being  of  a particu- 
larly interesting  nature,  the  Society  judge  fit 
to  produce  at  length. 

Tanjore,  February  13,  1794. 
Reverend  and  dear  Sir., 

As  his  Majesty’s  74th  Regiment  is  partly 
stationed  at  Tanjore,  and  partly  at  Yallam, 
six  English  miles  distant  from  Tanjore,  we 

* As  the  Soclet}',  after  forty  years’  experience,  have 
had  constant  reason  to  approve  of  INIr  Swartz’s  inte.ffri- 
ty  and  veracity  as  a correspondent,  his  zeal  as  a promo- 
ter of  Christian  knowledg-e,  and  his  labours  as  a ■Missi- 
onary ; they  take  this  opportunity  of  acknowledging 
his  faithful  services,  and  recommending  his  letter  to 
the  consideration  of  the  public,  as  containing  a just 
statement  of  facts  relating  to  the  Mission,  believing 
Mr.  S.  is  incapable  of  departing  from  the  truth  in  the 
rniniitest  particular. 


APPtTfDIX. 


Commoniy  go  once  in  a week  to  Vallain,  to  per- 
form Divine  service  to  four  companies  of  that 
regiment. 

When  I lately  went  to  that  place,  the  230th 
number  of  a newspaper^  called  the  Courier, 
Friday  evening,  May  24th,  1793,  was  commu- 
nicated to  me. 

In  that  paper  I found  a paragraph,  delivered 
by  Mr.  Montgomerie  Campbell  (who  came  out 
to  Intlia  with  Sir  Archibald  Campbell,  in  the 
station  of  a Private  Secretary,)  wherein  my 
name  w as  mentioned  in  the  following  manner : 

“ Mr.  M.  Campbell  gave  his  decided  vote 
against  the  clause,  and  reprobated  the  idea  of 
converting  the  Gentoos.  It  is  true.  Missiona- 
ries have  made  proselytes  of  the  Parriars  ; but 
they  were  the  lowest  order  of  people,  and  had 
even  degraded  the  religion  they  professed  to 
embrace. 

“ Mr.  Swartz,  whose  character  was  held  so 
deservedly  high,  could  not  have  any  reason  to 
boast  of  the  purity  of  his  followers  : they  were 
proverbial  for  their  profligacy.  An  instance 
occurred  to  his  recollection  perfectly  in  point: 
he  had  been  preaching  for  many  hours  to  this 
cast  of  proselytes  on  the  heinousness  of  theft, 
and,  in  the  heat  of  his  discourse,  taken  oS’  his 
stock,  when  that  and  his  gold  buckle  were  stol- 
en by  one  of  his  virtuous  and  enlightened  con- 
gregation. In  such  a description  of  natives 
did  the  doctrine  of  t}*e  Missionaries  operate. 
Men  of  high  cast  would  spurij  at  the  idea  of 
changiug  the  religion  of  their  ancestors.” 

As  this  paragraph  is  found  in  a public  pa- 
per, I thought  it  would  not  displease  the  Hon- 
ourable Society  to  make  a few  observations  on 


180 


APPENDIX. 


it ; not  to  boast  (\>  liieh  I defesf,)  but  to  doeiore 
tlie  plain  Irulh,  and  to  defend  iny  brethren  and 
inyseir. 

About  seventeen  years  asjo,  when  I resided 
at  Trie  binopoly,  1 visited  the  Congregation  at 
Tanjore.  In  my  road  I arrived  very  early  at 
a village  which  is  inhabited  by  Collaries  (a  set 
of  people  wiio  are  infamous  for  stealing;  even 
tfie  name  of  a Collary,  or  better  Calien,  signi- 
lies  a thief.)  These  Collaries  make  nightly 
excursions  in  order  to  rob.  They  drive  away 
bi’.i locks  and  sheep,  and  w hatever  they  can  find ; 
for  whieli  outrage  they  annually  pay  IjOO 
chokr.  or  7.;0  pagodas,  to  the  Rajah. 

Of  this  east  of  people,  many  live  iii  the  Tan- 
jore country,  still  more  in  Tondimairs  couiitrv, 
and  likewise  in  the  Nabob's  country. 

W.ben  I arrived  at  one  of  these  villages,  call- 
ed Pudaloor,  I took  off  my  stock,  pulling  it  on 
a sand-buiik.  Advancing  a little,  to  look  out 
for  the  man  who  had  carried  niy  iinnen  clothes, 
1 was  regardless  of  the  slock;  at  which  time 
some  thievish  boys  took  it  away.  Not  one 
grown  person  was  present.  When  the  inhabi- 
tants lieard  of  the  theft,  they  desired  me  to  con- 
fine all  those  hoys,  and  to  punish  them  as  se- 
verely as  I pleased  ; hot  1 refused  to  do  tliat, 
not  thinking  tiuit  the  trifle  which  I had  lost  was 
worth  so  much  trouble. 

That  such  hoys,  w hose  fathers  are  professed 
thieves-  sh;>uld  commit  a theft,  can  he  no  mat- 
ter of  w onder.  All  the  village  w ere  heathens  ; 
not  one  Chi istian  family  was  found  therein. — 
Many  of  our  gentlemen,  travelling  through 
that  viijuge,  have  been  robbed. 


APPENDIX. 


181 


The  trifle  of  a buckle  I did  not  therefore  lose 
hy  a Christian,  as  Mr.  M.  Campbell  will  have 
it,  but  by  heathen  boys. 

Neither  did  I preach  at  that  time ; Mr.  M. 
Campbell  says  that  I preached  two  hours.  I 
did  not  so  much  as  converse  with  any  man. 

This  poor  story,  totally  misrepresented,  is 
alleged  by  Mr.  M.  Campbell  to  prove  the  profli- 
gacy of  Christians,  whom  he  called  with  a 
sneer,  “ virtuous  and  enlightened  people.” 

If  Mr.  M.  Campbell  has  no  better  proof, 
liis  conclusion  is  built  upon  a bad  foundation, 
and  I shall  not  admire  his  logic : truth  is 
against  him. 

Neither  is  it  true,  that  the  best  part  of  those 
people  who  have  been  instructed  are  Parriars, 
Had  Mr.  M.  Campbell  visited,  even  once,  our 
Church,  he  w ould  have  observed  that  more  than 
two  thirds  ivere  of  the  higher  cast ; and  so  is  it 
at  Tranquebar  and  Vepery. 

Our  intention  is  not  to  boast;  hut  this  I may 
safely  say,  that  many  of  those  people  who  have 
been  instructed  have  left  this  world  with  com- 
fort, and  with  a well  grounded  hope  of  ever- 
lasting life. 

That  some  of  those  who  have  been  instructed 
and  baptized,  have  abused  the  benefit^  of  in- 
struction, is  certain  : but  all  sincere  servants 
of  God,  nay,  even  the  Apostles,  have  experienc- 
ed this  grief. 

It  is  asserted,  that  a Missionary  is  a dis- 
grace to  any  country.  Lord  Macartney  and 
the  late  General  Coote  would  have  entertained 
a very  different  opinion.  They,  and  many  oth- 
er gentlemen,  know  and  acknowledge,  that  the 
16 


183 


APPENDIX. 


Missionaries  have  been  benefickil  to  Goveru- 
meiit,  and  a comfort  to  the  country. 

This  1 am  able  to  prove  in  the  strongest 
manner.  Many  gentlemen  who  live  now  in 
England,  and  in  this  country,  would  corroborate 
my  assertion*. 

That  the  Reverend  Mr.  Gerieke  has  been  of 
eminent  service  at  Cuddalore,  every  gentleman, 
>vho  was  at  Cuddalore  at  the  lime  when  the  war 
broke  out,  knows.  He  was  the  instrument  in 
the  hands  of  Providence,  by  which  Cuddalore 
was  saved  from  plunder  and  bloodshed. 

He  saved  many  gentlemcsi  from  becoming 
prisoners  to  Hyder,  which  Lord  Macartney 
kindly  acknowledged. 

When  Negapatam,  that  rich  and  populous 
city,  fell  into  the  deepest  poverty,  by  the  una- 
vodiable  consequences  of  war,  Mr.  Gerieke  be- 
haved like  a father  to  the  distressed  people  of 
that  city.  He  forgot  that  he  had  a family  to 
provide  for.  Iviany  impoverished  families  were 
supported  by  him ; so  that  w hen  I,  a few  months 
ago,  preached  and  administered  the  Sacrament 
in  that  place,  I saw  many  wlio  ow  ed  their  and 
their  children’s  lives  to  his  disinterested  care. 
Surely  this,  my  friend,  could  not  be  called  a 
disgrace  to  that  place.  When  the  Honourable 
Society  ordered  him  to  attend  the  Congregation 
at  Madras,  all  lamented  his  departure:  and  at 
Madras,  he  is  esteemed  by  the  Governor  and 
many  other  gentlemen  to  this  day. 

It  is  a most  disagreeable  task  to  speak  of 
one’s  self.  However,  1 hope  that  the  Honoura- 
ble Society  will  not  look  upon  some  observa- 
lious  which  1 am  to  make,, as  a vain  and  sinful 


APPENDIX. 


183 


fcoastingj  but  rather  as  a necessary  self-defence. 
>ieither  the  Missionaries,  nor  any  of  the  Chris* 
tians,  have  hurt  the  welfare  of  the  country. 

In  the  time  of  war,  the  Fort  of  'I'anjore  was 
in  a distressed  condition.  A powerful  enemy 
w as  near,  the  people  in  the  Fort  numerous,  and 
not  provision  even  for  the  garrison.  There 
was  grain  enough  in  the  country,  but  we  had 
no  bullocks  to  bring  it  into  the  Fort.  When 
the  country  people  formerly  brought  paddy  in- 
to the  Fort,  the  rapacious  Dubashes  deprived 
them  of  their  due  pay:  hence  all  confidence 
was  lost,  so  that  the  inhabitants  drove  away 
their  cattle,  refusing  to  assist  the  Fort.  The 
late  Rajah  entreated  the  people,  by  his  mana- 
gers, to  come  and  help  us  ; but  all  was  in  vain. 

At  last  the  Rajah  said  to  one  of  our  princi- 
pal gentlemen : “ fVe  all,  you  and  I,  have  lest 
our  credit : let  us  try  whether  the  inhabitants 
will  trust  Mr.  Swartz.^^  Accordingly  he  sent 
me  a blank  paper,  empowei'ing  me  to  make  a 
proper  agreement  with  the  people.  Here  was 
no  time  for  hesitation.  The  Sepoys  fell  dowm 
as  dead  people,  being  emaciated  with  hunger : 
our  streets  were  lined  with  dead  corpses  every 
morning : our  condition  w as  deplorable.  I 
sent,  therefore,  letters  every  where  round  about, 
promising  to  pay  any  one  with  my  own  hands, 
and  to  pay  them  for  any  bullock  which  might 
be  taken  by  tlie  enemy.  In  one  or  two  days,  I 
got  above  a thousand  bullocks,  and  ‘ient  one  of 
our  Catechists  and  other  Christians  into  the 
country.  They  went  at  the  risk  of  laeir  lives, 
made  all  possible  haste,  and  brought  into  the 
Fort,  in  a very  short  time,  80.000  kallams.  By 
17 


184. 


APPENDIX. 


Ihis  means  tlie  Fort  was  saved.  When  all  was 
over,  1 paid  the  people  (even  with  some  money 
which  bel  >nged  to  others,)  made  them  a small 
present,  and  sent  them  home. 

The  next  year,  when  Colonel  Braithwaite 
with  his  whole  detachment  was  taken  prisoner, 
Major  Alcock  commanded  this  Fort,  and  be- 
haved very  kindly  to  the  poor  starving  people. 
We  were  then,  the  second  time,  in  the  same 
miserable  condition.  The  enemy  always  in- 
vaded the  country  when  the  harvest  was  nigh 
at  hand.  I was  again  desired  to  try  my  for- 
mer expedient,  and  succeeded.  The  people 
knew  that  they  were  not  to  be  deprived  of  their 
pay  : they  therefore  came  with  their  cattle. 
But  now  the  danger  was  greater,  as  the  enemy 
was  very  near.  The  Christians  conducted  the 
inhabitants  to  proper  places,  surely  with  no 
small  danger  of  losing  their  lives.  Accord- 
ingly they  wept,  and  went,  and  supplied  the 
Fcrt  with  grain.  AVhen  the  inhabitants  were 
paid,  I strictly  inquired  whether  any  of  the 
Christians,  had  taken  from  them  a present. 
They  all  said,  “ No,  no  ; as  we  were  so  regu- 
larly paid,  we  offered  to  your  Catechist  a cloth 
of  small  value,  but  he  absolutely  refused  it.” 

But  Mr.  Campbell  says,  that  the  Christians 
are  profligate  to  a proverb. 

If  Mr.  M.  Campbell  was  near  me,  I would 
explain  to  him  who  are  the  profligate  people 
who  drain  the  country.  When  a Dubash,  in 
the  space  of  ten  or  fifteen  years,  scr.apes  to- 
gether, two,  three,  or  four  lacks  of  pagodas, 
is  not  this  extortion  a high  degree  of  profli- 
gacy  ? 


APPENDIX. 


1S5 


Xay,  Goveni’.nent  was  obliged  to  send  an 
order,  that  three  of  those  Gentoo  I3ubashes 
should  quit  the  Tanjore  country.  I'he  enor- 
mous crimes  eoinmitted  by  them  tilled  the 
country  with  complaints;  but  I have  no  mind 
to  enumerate  tliem. 

It  is  asserted,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
country  would  suffer  by  Missionaries. 

If  the  Missionaries  are  sincere  Christians,  it 
is  impossible  that  the  inhabitants  sliouid  suSer 
any  damage  by  them  : if  they  are  not  what 
they  profess  to  be,  they  ought  to  be  dismissed. 

M^iien  Sir  A.  Campbell  was  Governor,  and 
Mr.  M.  Campbell  his  Private  Secretary,  tlie 
inhabitants  of  the  I’anjore  co!intry  were  so 
miserably  oppressed  by  the  Manager  and  the 
Madras  Dubaslies,  that  they  quitted  the  country. 
Of  course,  ail  cultivation  ceased.  In  the  month 
of  June,  the  cultivation  should  commence;  but 
nothing  was  done,  even  at  tlie  begiiining  of 
September.  Every  one  dreaded  tlie  eaiumity 
of  a famine.  I entreated  the  Hajaii  to  remove 
that  shameful  oppression,  and  to  reeal  tlie  in- 
habitants. He  sent  them  word,  that  justice 
should  be  done  to  tliein;  but  they  disbelieved 
his  promises.  He  then  desired  to  write  to 
them,  and  to  assure  them,  that  l;e,  at  my  inter- 
cession, would  sliew  kindness  to  them.  I did 
50.  All  immediately  returned:  and  first  of  all 
the  Kailcr  (or  as  they  are  commonly  called 
Coliaries)  believed  my  word,  so  that  7,0v00  men 
Came  back  in  one  day.  The  other  inhabitasits 
Coilowed  their  example.  "When  I exiiortcd 
them  to  exert  themselves  to  the  utmost  because 
the  time  for  cultivation  was  almost  lost,  they 
18 


AVl’ENDIJi. 


iS6 

replied  in  tl)e  following  mannor;  ‘‘  As  y«)ij  have 
sliewed  kindness  to  ns,  yon  shall  not  have  reas<m 
|o  repent  of  it : we  intend  to  work  night  and 
day,  to  shew  onr  regard  for  yon.” 

Sir  xV.  Campbell  was  happy  when  he  heard 
of  it;  and  we  had  the  satisfaction  of  haviug^a 
better  crop  than  the  preceding  year. 

As  there  was  hardly  any  administration  of 
justice,  I begged  and  entreated  the  Rajah  to 
establish  justice  in  his  country.  “ Well,”  said 
lie,  “ let  me  know  wherein  my  people  are  op- 
pressed.” 1 did  so.  He  immediately  consent- 
ed to  my  proposal,  and  tolil  iiis  manager,  that 
he  should  feel  liis  ind.ignalion.  if  the  oppression 
*lid  not  cease  immetiiately.  Bat  he  soon  died  : 
he  did  not  see  the  exeention. 

When  tile  present  Rajah  began  his  reign,  I 
put  Sir  A.  Caniphell  in  mind  of  that  necessary 
jioint.  He  dhsired  me  to  make  a plan  lor  a 
court  of  justice,  wiiich  I did;  hut  it  was  soon 
neglected  by  the  servjints  of  the  Rajah,  who 
commonly  sold  justice  to  the  best  bidder. 

When  the  Honourable  Company  took  pos- 
session of  the  country,  during  the  war,  the  plan 
for  introducing  justice  was  reassumed,  by  which 
many  people  were  made  happy.  But  when  tiie 
country  was  restored  to  the  Rajah  the  former 
irregularities  took  place. 

During  the  assumption.  Government  desired 
me  to  assist  the  gentlemen  collectors,  'i'lie 
district  towards  the  west  of  Tanjore  had  been 
very  much  neglected,  so  tliat  the  water-courses 
Jiad  not  been  cleansed  for  the  last  fifteen  years. 
I proposed  that  the  collector  should  advance 
500  pagodas  to  cl.eiinse  those  water-courses. 


APPEXDIX. 


i&7 


The  gentlemen  consented,  if  I would  inspect 
the  business.  The  work  was  begun  and  finish- 
ed, being  inspected  by  Christians.  Ail  that 
part  of  the  country  rejoiced  in  getting  100,000 
kallanis  more  than  before.  The  inhabitants 
confessed,  that  instead  of  one  kallam  they  now 
reaped  four. 

JSo  inhabitant  has  suifered  by  Christians  : 
none  has  complained  of  it.  On  the  contrary, 
one  of  the  richest  inhabitants  said  to  me;  “Sir, 
if  you  send  a person  to  us,  send  one  who  has 
learned  all  your  Ten  Commandments.*’  For 
he  and  many  hundred  inhabitants  had  been 
present,  when  I explained  the  Christian  doc- 
trine to  Heathens  and  Christians. 

The  inhabitants  dread  the  conduct  of  a 
Madras  Dubash.  These  people  leud  money  to 
the  Rajah  at  an  exorbitant  interest,  and  then 
are  permitted  to  collect  their  money  and  inter- 
est ill  an  appointed  district.  It  is  needless  to 
mention  the  consequences. 

When  the  Coliaries  committed  great  out- 
rages ill  their  plundering  expeditions,  Sepoys 
were  sent  out  to  adjust  matters  ; but  it  had  no 
effect.  Government  desired  me  to  inquire  into 
the  thieyish  business : I therefore  sent  letters 
to  the  head  Coliaries.  They  ‘appeared.  AYe 
found  out,  in  some  degree,  how  much  the  Tan- 
jore  and  Tondaman’s  and  the  Nabob’s  Coliaries 
had  stolen ; and  we  insisted  upon  restoration, 
which  was  done  accordingly. 

At  last  all  gaye  in  writing,  that  they  would 
steal  no  more.  This  promise  they  kept  for 
eight  months,  and  then  they  began  their  old 
work : however,  not  as  before.  Had  the  in- 


188 


APPENDIX. 


spection  over  their  conduct  been  continued,  they 
iniglit  have  been  made  useful  people.  I insist- 
ed upon  their  cultivating  their  fields,  which 
they  really  did.  But  if  the  demands  became 
exorbitant,  they  have  no  resource,  as  they  think, 
hut  that  of  plundering. 

At  last  some  of  tiiose  thievish  Collaries  de- 
sired to  be  instructed.  I said,  “ I am  obliged 
to  instruct  you  ; but  I am  afraid  that  you  will 
become  very  bad  Christians.”  Their  promises 
were  fair.  I instructed  them  ; and  when  they 
had  a tolerable  knowledge,  I baptized  them. 
Having  baptized  them,  I exhorted  them  to  steal 
no  more,  but  to  work  industriously.  After  that 
I visited  them;  and  having  examined' their 
knowledge,  I desired  to  see  their  work.  I ob- 
served with  pleasure,  that  their  fields  were  ex- 
cellently cultivated.  “ Now,”  said  I,  ‘‘  one 
thing  remains  to  be  done;  you  must  pay  your 
tribute  readily,  and  not  wait  till  it  is  exacted 
by  military  force,”  which  otherwise  is  their 
custom.  Soon  after  that,  I found  that  they  had 
paid  oflF  their  tribute  exactly. 

The  only  complaint  against  those  Christian 
Collaries  was,  that  they  refused  to  go  upon 
plundering  expeditions  as  they  had  done  before. 

Now  I am  well  aware,  that  some  will  accuse 
me  of  boasting.  I confess  the  charge  willingly, 
hut  lay  all  the  blame  upon  those  who  have  con- 
strained me  to  commit  that  folly. 

I might  have  enlarged  my  account ; hut  fear- 
ing that  some  characters  would  have  suftered 
by  it,  I stop  here. 

One  thing,  however,  I affirm,  before  God  and 
man,  that  if  Christianity,  in  its  plain  and  imdis- 


APPENDIX. 


189 


guised  form,  ^vas  properly  promoted,  the  country 
uoukl  not  suffer,  but  be  benefited  by  if. 

If  Christians  were  employed  in  some  impor- 
tant offices,  tliey  should,  if  they  misbehaved,  be 
doubly  punished ; but  to  reject  them  entirety 
is  not  right,  and  discourageth. 

The  glorious  God,  and  our  blessed  Redeemer, 
has  commanded  his  Apostles  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel to  all  nations. 

The  knowledge  of  God,  of  his  divine  perfec- 
tions, and  of  his  mercy  to  mankind,  may  be  abus- 
ed; but  there  is  no  other  method  of  reclaiming 
mankind,  than  by  instructing  them  well.  To 
hope  that  the  heathens  will  Jive  a good  life, 
without  the  knowledge  of  God,  is  a chimera. 

The  praise  bestowed  on  the  heathens  of  this 
country  by  many  of  our  historians,  is  refuted  by 
a close  (I  might  also  say  by  a superficial)  in- 
spection of  their  lives.  Many  historical  works 
are  more  like  romances  than  liistory.  Many 
gentlemen  here  are  astonished  how  some  histo- 
rians have  prostituted  their  talents,  by  writing 
fables.* 

I am  now  at  the  brink  of  eternity ; but  to  this 
moment  I declare,  that  I do  not  repent  of  having 
spent  forty-three  years  in  the  service  of  my  Di- 
vine Master.  Who  knows  but  God  may  remove 
some  of  the  great  obstacles  to  the  propagation  of 

. * I would  not  apply  the  above  censure  pronoxinccvl, 
by  Mr.  Swartz,  on  certain  accounts  which  he  had  peru- 
sed, to  the  panegyric  on  the  Hindoos,  which  we  liave 
recently  heard  from  Mr.  Buller,  Mr.  Marsh,  and  others ; 
but  I would  only  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  them,  a more 
measured  phrase  in  describing  the  character  of  any  Pa- 
gan people  in  the  cars  of  the  British  public. 


490 


APPENDIX, 


the  Gospel  ? Should  a reformation  take  place 
amongst  the  Europeans,  it  would,  no  doubt,  be 
the  greatest  blessing  to  the  country. 

These  observations  I beg  leave  to  lay  before 
the  Honourable  Society,  with  ray  humble  thanks 
for  all  their  benefits  bestowed  on  this  work,  and 
sincere  wishes  that  their  pious  and  generous 
endeavours  to  disseminate  the  knowledge  of 
God,  and  Jesus  Christ,  may  be  beneficial  to 
many  thousands, 

I am  sincerely. 

Reverend  and  dear  Sir, 

Your  affectionate  brother  and  humble  servant, 
(Signed)  C.  F.  SWARTZ, 


